23rd March, 2009
Water of Life Half Marathon Raises Over £80,000 for AMREF
On World Water Day (22 March 2009), 400 runners of all ages and abilities took to the Buckinghamshire countryside for the inaugural Water of Life Half Marathon, raising over £80,000 for AMREF’s lifesaving work in Africa. 
Sponsored by Diageo, the event will help AMREF to provide clean water and sanitation facilities to some of the continent’s most vulnerable people.
"Thanks to your hard work today," AMREF board chair Lady Hollick told the runners, "many people in Kechene, one of Ethiopia’s largest slums, will have clean drinking water, hygenic toilets, and shower kiosks for the first time ever."
The half-marathon started in the town of Marlow and followed a meandering route through the rolling countryside of Buckinghamshire. A handful of elite athletes competed for the top prize, but for many runners it was knowing they were making a difference in the lives of vulnerable Africans that carried them through the 13.1-mile course.
"A basic necessity like water shouldn't be denied to any human being, particularly women and children who have to carry huge, heavy containers of water for miles on end," said Lucia Hunt, a runner from Diageo. "I think about that when I'm running and it keeps me going,"
Said Lady Hollick: "What a difference clean water makes. Children under five years old stop dying. Older children miss fewer days of school. Parents miss fewer days of work. Families thrive and businesses prosper. Whole communities begin to flourish."
AMREF thanks Diageo, event organisers Purple Patch Running, and all of the runners and volunteer marshalls who made the Water of Life Half Marathon a great success.
Related: The Water of Life Half Marthon in Pictures | Kechene Project Profile | A Kechene Mother on AMREF's Work
Photo: Tim Bishop/Diageo