A clean water initiative by Waves For Water Philippines, powered by Pinoy Fitness
For those powering through their newfound running era, or even those clocking in another run after years of marathons, hydration is key to getting more kilometers and steps in. We’ve employed the use of step trackers on our phones and trusty sports watches that measure our stats to tell us how many more kilometers we have to go before reaching our goal.
In Waves For Water’s decade of working with and for communities across the Philippines, they’ve found counting steps to take on a completely different meaning. In a lot of underserved communities, women and children tend to walk around 6,000 steps or north of 6 kilometers just to be able to get drinking water for their families. A lot of the time, the water they’re gathering is from unprotected sources like wells, rivers, springs, and even hand pumps or poso.
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On Aug. 25, Waves For Water Philippines powered by Pinoy Fitness launched Race4Water, a virtual fundraising run aiming to bring clean water to families in Rizal. The virtual race concludes on Sept. 25, featuring giveaways for runners from supporters like H&M, Columbia, Nalgene, and Bergel.
We list our top 3 reasons why we’re joining the race for clean water:
1. Run 6 kilometers to raise awareness among your friends
According to the United Nations and World Health Organization, women in Africa and Asia walk an average of 6 kilometers or over 6,000 steps a day, carrying 20 liters of water. This holds true for the underserved communities that Waves For Water (W4W) Philippines has been working with and for throughout the years. By joining the virtual run, getting some steps in, and posting about it on our socials, we get to help a non-profit share their advocacy with those who can help. It also gives us a different perspective on how water has sadly become a luxury for other Filipinos when it should be a human right.
2. Do what you love and help along the way
Whether you’re in it to run or walk, get some steps in, or train for another upcoming race, there’s a way to plug in purpose to your personal passion projects. The virtual race hopes to positively impact the lives of families in Barangay Sampad, Cardona, Rizal as Waves For Water aims to bring them access to clean drinking water by way of portable filters.
The community’s primary water source is an unprotected well, commonly referred to as a balon, with most residents relying on manual hand pumps, locally known as poso. During heavy rains, the water from these sources becomes contaminated and unsafe for drinking and daily use.
3. Provide clean water to families who need it
Have you ever thought about how many steps you take to get clean drinking water? For a lot of us, we have water tumblers at the ready or perhaps a water dispenser 12 or 16 steps away in the kitchen, but those living in underserved communities who often do not have water infrastructure, have to go on “water walks,” where they carry buckets or jugs to be able to gather water. With a portion of the proceeds of the race registration fees going towards raising funds for water filters, Waves For Water Philippines with your help, will be able to lessen the steps it takes for families to get water to drink.
The virtual run began on Aug. 25, 2024, and will conclude on Sept. 25, 2024. Registration is open until Sept. 10, 2024. Currently, over 1,000 runners are registered nationwide, with participation from supporters worldwide.
Race4Water is also sponsored by major sponsor JVR Foundation and minor sponsor Bergel. The event is co-presented by H&M, with support from partners such as San Miguel Corporation, Columbia, Nalgene, and official media partners Lifestyle.INQ and Multisport.
How does a virtual race work?
Participants in the virtual run can complete their pledged distance at their own pace and convenience. They have a full month, from August 25 to Sept. 25, to cumulatively finish their chosen distance. Runners should record their walk or run using a health app, GPS-tracking app, or watch. If using a treadmill, they need to upload a photo of their results in the PF app for verification. Alternatively, Strava can be connected to the PF app for tracking.
Race4Water 2024 virtual run details:
- Duration: Aug. 25 to Sept. 25, 2024
- Registration Date: July 15 to Sept. 10, 2024
- Distances: 6K | 21K | 42K
- Open to participants nationwide. International participants are welcome, provided they use a Philippine mailing address for receiving their finisher entitlements.
Regular Rate:
- Medal Only – ₱695
- Medal + Shirt – ₱1,095
- Medal + 2 Shirts – ₱1,495
*Plus ₱100 delivery fee nationwide
Registration Venue: Download the PF Mobile App – Click here
- Apple Store – Click here
- Play Store – Click here
- Full Registration Details: https://pinoy.fit/race4water2024
How does it go?
- Choose and register for a virtual race
- Use a GPS-tracking running app, watch, or treadmill
- Track and finish the race
- Take a photo of your result
- Submit your run
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a virtual run?
- A virtual run allows participants to complete their pledged distance at their own pace and convenience. You have a full month, from Aug. 25 to Sept. 25, to cumulatively finish your distance.
- Do I have to finish the distance in one day?
- No. It can be done cumulatively or at your own pace, as long as you finish the distance before Sept. 25.
- How do I record my walk or run?
- Record your walk or run using a Health app, GPS-tracking app, or watch. If running on a treadmill, upload a photo of the results in the PF app for verification. Alternatively, you may also connect Strava to the PF app.
- Where can I download the Pinoy Fitness Atleta App?
- You can download it through the Apple Store or Google Play Store; just search Pinoy Fitness Atleta
- Can I join even if I’m not in the Philippines?
- Yes! International participants are welcome as long as you can use a Philippine mailing address (a friend/relative’s) that we can use to mail your finisher entitlements to.
- What happens if I don’t complete my distance?
- Our “No completion, no reward” policy means you won’t receive your finisher’s kit if you don’t complete your distance. This race operates on an honor system, with periodic checks on submissions. But all is not lost! You will have still contributed to providing clean water access to our partner community in Rizal.
- Can I add recorded activities beginning Aug. 25 even if I sign up at a later date?
- Yes, you can upload activities from Aug. 25 as long as you sign up by Sept. 10.