AUSTIN, Texas — Central Texans know how important water is, as we’ve had our fair share of water woes. But in Burundi, Africa, one of the poorest countries in the world, clean water is the difference between life and death. CBS Austin’s Chikage Windler played some holes with local running legend Gilbert Tuhabonye at Butler Pitch and Putt and learned more about Tuhabonye’s mission to help his homeland gain access to clean water.
Gilbert Tuhabonye at the Run for the Water (photo: Gazelle Foundation)
Gilbert Tuhabonye is a rockstar in the running community. He inspires others daily, from early mornings with his run club Gilbert’s Gazelles, to the annual Gazelle Foundation Run for the Water.
Giblert’s Gazelles Run Club (photo: Chikage Windler)
“I was fortunate enough to meet incredible people that inspired me. Still up to today, they inspire me every single day to do great things for other people, to bring hope to the other people. And that’s how the Gazelle Foundation started,” explains Tuhabonye.
Run for the Water (photo: Chikage Windler)
Burundian drummers wear traditional dress and perform each year at the Run for the Water, serving as a connection between the impoverished African nation and hundreds of supporters here in Austin. Some participants of the race walk or run carrying water jugs, just as villagers in Burundi do.
Burundian drummers at Run for the Water (photo: Chikage Windler)
Gazelle Foundation Board President Peter Rauch with Gilbert Tuhabonye at the Run for the Water (photo: Gazelle Foundation)
Tuhabonye recalls his childhood routine. “My life was about getting up in the morning, go fetch water. Then I would run to school six miles away, and on the way that six miles, there was no water. There was no drinking water whatsoever,” he explains.
Water tap in Burundi (photo: Gazelle Foundation)
Then in high school, a civil war broke out, and gilbert survived an act of genocide when students were locked inside their school and left to die as it was set on fire.
“I was in a burning building, but luckily I escaped, and I was able to make it to the country here in 1996,” Tuhabonye explains. He says when he was in the hospital recovering, he got an offer of a full scholarship to run in the United States. Once here, he chose to forgive those who left him badly scarred from burns, and vowed to never forget the villagers in Burundi who still needed his help.
Burundi (photo: Gazelle Foundation)
“I got a second chance. make it count. Be the voice for others, and that’s what I do,” he says.
Run for the Water (photo: Chikage Windler)
One of his mantras is “Run with Joy!” Though running is what he’s known for, he’s taken a liking to golf as well, and recently shot his first hole-in-one at Butler.
Gilbert Tuhabonye at Butler Pitch and Putt (photo: CBS Austin)
And whether he’s on the golf course or back in Burundi helping install water systems, his focus is clear.
CBS Austin’s Chikage Windler and Gilbert Tuhabonye (photo: CBS Austin)
“We are changing lives on a daily basis by providing clean water close to homes,” he says.
Gilbert Tuhabonye in Burundi (photo: Gazelle Foundation)
76 clean water systems have been built, collecting unpolluted water at its source, and using gravity to let it flow into storage tanks for distribution. Water taps serve more than 144-thousand Burundians.
Burundi water storage tank (photo: Gazelle Foundation)
“Focusing on school, focusing on clinics, a hospital, where a lot of people meet. And so it’s really life-changing to provide clean water to these villages,” he explains.
Burundi (photo: Gazelle Foundation)
And the work isn’t done.
Burundi (photo: Gazelle Foundation)
“We are not even halfway. We are not even a third way. We need your help,” says Tuhabonye.
Run for the Water (photo: Chikage Windler)
Saturday night, February 28th, 2026, the Spring for the Water Gala will be held at the Hotel Zaza. The event will raise funds for more clean water systems.
Purchase tickets here.
Learn more about the Gazelle Foundation here.
This story aired on CBS Austin News at 5 pm and 6:30 pm on Friday, February 27th, 2026.
Gazelle Foundation (photo: Chikage Windler)