From H2O For Life

OHIO – Katie Spotz, clean water activist and adventurer, embarked on her latest ultra-endurance challenge and fundraising initiative Run4Water earlier this month in her home state of Ohio.

Her goal is to break the female world record for the most consecutive ultra-marathons in a row by completing eleven daily 31-mile runs. Spotz will run across the entire state of Ohio, from Cincinnati to Cleveland, to complete the 341-mile journey.

The challenge also aims to raise $34,100 to fund 11 clean water projects for Ugandan schools through a partnership with non-profit H2O for Life.

Run4Water marks Spotz’s 10th endurance challenge to raise money for clean water projects in developing communities around the world. She rose to the public spotlight during her 2010 campaign Row for Water where she set records by rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 70 days. To date, Spotz’s activism has impacted over 25,000 lives. 

To train for this unique challenge, Spotz completed several, nonstop long-distance runs in 2020. She completed a 62-mile nonstop run across New Hampshire, a 74-mile nonstop run across Vermont, and 138 miles nonstop across Maine in 33 hours.

Reflecting on the challenges of crossing Ohio, Spotz said, “This endurance feat will test my limits mentally and physically in different ways beyond previous athletic challenges. The time spent recovering will be just as important as the time spent running 6-7 hours each day. But, I couldn’t be more excited to do this journey in my home state, starting and ending the journey near water, and being part of the solution for the global water crisis.”

H2O for Life Director Steve Hall said, “Partners like Katie help children around the world unlock the opportunity to live better, healthier lives through access to clean water. Because of her efforts, students can focus on learning, instead of spending hours each day walking miles to collecting water. Access to clean water, a place to wash hands and a safe place to use the bathroom leads to a remarkable improvement in health and learning. Water gives hope for the future!”

To support Spotz’s fundraising initiative, please visit water.katiespotz.com to donate.

Katie Spotz is an adventurer, charitable ambassador, author, and world-record holder who has used her platform for over 10 years to raise awareness for global water issues.

Outside of adventuring, Katie serves as a Lieutenant junior grade(title) in the Coast Guard and encourages her community of 10k followers on social media so they too can achieve long-term goals. She lives her message that all of life’s biggest goals are simply a series of small steps. 

For more information about Katie’s work, visit: www.KatieSpotz.com.

H2O for Life offers a service-learning opportunity designed to engage, educate and inspire youth to take action to solve the global water crisis by raising awareness and funds to support implementation of water, sanitation and hygiene education projects for global partner schools. For more information or to get involved, visit: www.h2oforlifeschools.org