Pounding the Pavement for a Purpose

If you are a runner or closely acquainted with one, you likely are aware of the personal satisfaction that comes from lacing up broken-in running shoes, pounding the pavement, braving the elements and returning home having left it all on the road. 

As we celebrate Global Running Day on June 7, which promotes running’s many physical and mental health benefits, we are aware that the worldwide running community has tremendous influence to help transform lives. At World Hope International (WHI), we’ve seen how runners have individually and collectively pounded the pavement with a purpose, all fueled by their passion to lift others up so that they can help them run toward a brighter future filled with hope.  

Can you imagine sending your child to school where the teacher is not paid, and the school cannot even afford chalk? This is the reality for many of the towns and villages where WHI Child Sponsorship programs are located, and which receive needed aid from funds raised through these races. 

Running for Water

Hope Water International has continued to solidify its partnership with WHI to organize teams of runners around the United States who run and raise funds to provide clean water to communities across Africa.

Those who train for these events benefit by the camaraderie gained through preparing together, the lasting friendships that are formed, and ultimately in knowing they are running to save lives and transform communities through clean water access. 

Hope Water Executive Director Bill Clark explains the two-fold process. First, they train in the U.S. and raise money; second, Hope Water teams up with World Hope to dig wells and install water systems. “Partnering with World Hope has given us the confidence that we are helping to make a difference in communities across the globe,” says Clark. 

Running for Water

Hope Water International has continued to solidify its partnership with WHI to organize teams of runners around the United States who run and raise funds to provide clean water to communities across Africa.

Those who train for these events benefit by the camaraderie gained through preparing together, the lasting friendships that are formed, and ultimately in knowing they are running to save lives and transform communities through clean water access. 

Hope Water Executive Director Bill Clark explains the two-fold process. First, they train in the U.S. and raise money; second, Hope Water teams up with World Hope to dig wells and install water systems. “Partnering with World Hope has given us the confidence that we are helping to make a difference in communities across the globe,” says Clark. 

Running for Child Amputees

In the United Kingdom, helping child amputees in Sierra Leone has become a personal mission for 20-year-old Sapphire and her dad, Christopher Hope. They’ve partnered with World Hope to raise awareness and funds by running for a cause near to their hearts. Sapphire participated in a half marathon in May 2023 in honor of her “Gran Gran” Elizabeth, who was fatally wounded in a bus accident in London.  That same accident cost Sapphire’s younger sister her leg and her mum suffered multiple injuries. Sapphire’s recent run raised nearly $3,500 USD. Christopher completed the London Marathon in April 2023 in 4 hours, 35 minutes, 32 seconds raising $6,200 USD. These two powerhouse runners alone raised nearly $10,000 to specifically aid child amputees through World Hope’s Enable the Children program.  

Running for Hope

Individuals, groups and organizations all over the world are running together for something greater than themselves; they are running for others, with a passionate purpose that pushes them across the finish line time and again.

For them and thousands like them, running doesn’t mean only pursuing a personal best. It means one more child receives a foundational education and doesn’t go to school hungry. It helps an entire community get access to clean water or offers a child amputee physical therapy and support for their entire family.

If you’d like to start running for hope, please consider joining and/or forming a team through your faith-based organization, business or company.

Sponsor a child or a sponsor a child with special needs.

If you are interested in joining Team World Hope, email run@worldhope.org to receive information on the next race.  In the meantime, consider a gift to The Hope Fund.