Over 80 percent of disease in the developing world is from contaminated water.  On Saturday, Nov. 15, Esperança is holding a “Run for the Pour” at SRP Arizona Falls, located at 5802 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix to ensure that people in Nicaragua will now have access to clean water.  The family friendly, 5K run or walk begins at 7:30 a.m.  Registration is $35 (includes a t-shirt and goodie bag) from now until Nov. 5 and then $40 from Nov. 6-15.

The 5k run will highlight the process and workings of an actual water system that would be utilized in the developing world.  Participants will have the option of carrying a log or bucket through obstacles that will help demonstrate the real life challenges people in developing world’s encounter when working to provide clean water. There will be a prize for those runners that choose to participate in the optional obstacle course.

“Sadly, more than 3.4 million people die each year from water, sanitation and hygiene-related causes. ” said Tom Egan, president and CEO of Esperança. “The Run for the Pour is a great way to bring awareness to the issue. Most water sources are contaminated as they are used not only for drinking and cooking but for bathing, laundry, irrigation, and waste disposal as well. Waterborne illnesses, such as cholera, have devastating consequences for poor families, with children being the most vulnerable.”

Deliveringclean water and improved sanitation is a major focus of Esperança’s work. They build community wells, water systems and latrines in every region they serve using local materials. Each benefitting family participates in the construction process, providing all of the labor and taking true ownership of their new water source.

For more information or to become a “Run for the Pour” sponsor, call Jared Leslie, development director at (602) 252.7772 ext. 101.  To register for the run, visit: http://runforthepour.org.