Safe Drinking Water & Sanitation for Those in Need

David Christof is a Czech marathoner and global water warrior. He has completed 21 marathons and 13 ultramarathons, including two 100 mile runs. This year, he is traveling around the United States in a philanthropic educational journey, to run an additional 21 marathons, speak at 21 different schools, and raise at least $21,000 for two sustainable water projects at two schools in Buwama, Uganda. The money David raises will go directly to the construction of the wells, being implemented by Blue Planet Network member organization: Drink Local. Drink Tap., Inc.

Run Around the USA campaign goals

• Educate students about the world water crisis and speak at universities and schools around the USA & Canada
• Inspire children to come alive and pursue their dreams with passion and intensity
• Motivate children to be physically active and enhance physical and mental well-being
• Fundraise $21,000 to build wells at 2 schools in Uganda

David began running in 2007 as part of Blue Planet Network’s 20-person Blue Planet Run team that ran around the world in a non-stop relay, leading them through 16 countries in 95 days to raise awareness and funds to eliminate the global water crisis. In 2012, he ran a self-supported marathon from Prague to London, spanning 821 miles. The next year, not only did he run and bike from Prague to Morocco (2,002 miles!) to fundraise for safe drinking water, but along the way, he presented at 34 high schools about the global water crisis. In 2014, David ran across Jordan, almost 300 miles (over 11 marathons) in 11 days, to fundraise for Syrian and Jordanian children’s education.  During these 3 philanthropic journeys, he fundraised over $41,000 for charity.

"I love endurance-adventure, helping others, and the cause of safe drinking water is very dear to me. The fact that about 6,000 people die every single day because of lack of access to safe drinking water is very alarming. We need to realize how fortunate we all are by not having to think about such a basic need as safe drinking water. One fifth of the world does not have this luxury, and it is our duty to help." - David Christof

David continues to run to raise awareness and educate students about what they can do to help. He runs for the 780 million people who don’t have access to safe drinking water. He runs for people sick with waterborne illnesses, who are taking up half of the world’s hospital beds. He runs for the 6,000 people who die each day from unsafe water. He runs for the women in Africa and Asia who walk, on average, of 4 miles to collect water.

Through personal example and engaging speaking, David has inspired students to care about global issues, be active, and pursue their dreams. Most importantly, he demonstrates that one person really can make a difference. His last marathon will take place in the Czech Republic in June. In July of 2015, David plans to travel to Uganda to personally hand over the funds raised and help start the water projects. 

Learn about Drink Local. Drink Tap.'s project in Uganda

With David’s fundraising help, Drink Local. Drink Tap will bring 2 wells to the schools of Wabilgalo and Wantabya in Uganda. Listen to an interview with Wabigalo Primary School head teacher, Molly, and watch this video to understand a day in the life of a child of Wantabya Kkizongo Primary School. These children spend 3-4 hours each day fetching water that is 1.3 miles away, only to bring back unclean water that brings serious illness and keeps them out of school. These problems will be eliminated with the installation of wells made possible by Drink Local. Drink Tap. 

Check out his Blue Planet Network link here to learn more, or contact him directly at waterislifedavid@gmail.com.