Why do we run?

Every step we take is one they don't have to.

There are millions of people around the world without access to clean water. At GatheringPoint, we have partnered with World Vision, the largest non-governmental provider of clean water in the world, to raise money for drilling and building wells so that people can have access to this basic need.
Since our partnership began in 2016, our Team World Vision running teams have collectively raised over $390,000 for clean water. World Vision estimates that every $50 provides one person with clean water for life, which means we have given the gift of life-changing clean water to more than 7,800 people in need!

Learn more about World Vision from guest speaker Peter Mutabazi.

Peter Mutabazi is a survivor of child abuse & his life is a story of hope. The oldest of six children, he grew up in Uganda, sleeping on the floor of a two-room hut until he ran away at the age of 10 to escape the brutal abuse of his father. After living on the streets of Kampala, Uganda for nearly five years, Peter was sponsored by a young couple to attend boarding school. This event changed his entire life. Today, Peter is a published author and an international advocate for vulnerable communities & children.

As a keynote speaker and a Senior Advocate for World Vision, he believes every child and young person - especially the forgotten, neglected, or abused - deserves to be celebrated; seen, heard, and known. Peter is a single black male who has fostered countless children and has adopted 1 child (so far!) When he's not advocating for others and breaking stereotypes, he enjoys running, skiing, and spending time with his kids & their dogs, Simba and Rafiki.

You're Invited!

There is still work to be done! We invite you to join GatheringPoint Church in making a difference in the lives of those in need by moving your feet. With three different running opportunities, there is a way for everyone to participate in making this world a better place! Whether you’re an experienced runner, a beginner, or just someone looking for a new challenge, we have an event for you that will put a medal in your trophy case and, more importantly, change lives.

Chicago Marathon

October 13, 2024

Join over 40,000 participants as we run through the streets and diverse neighborhoods of Chicago in one of the five World Major marathon races. As a team, we will train together for six months to ensure you are prepared for 26.2 miles while you raise money for clean water. Training plan begins in early April 2024.

Illinois Half-Marathon

April 27, 2024

Can’t wrap your mind around a full marathon, but still want a challenge? Join us for the Illinois half-marathon in Champaign this spring. The course will take us through parts of the University of Illinois campus, a metro park, neighborhoods, and finish on the 50 yard-line of Memorial Stadium. As a team, we will train together for twelve weeks to prepare for this race while you raise money for clean water. Please complete the two-step registration process through the links below. 

Global 6k for Water

May 18, 2024

Want to be part of the global impact without running a long distance? Join us for the Global 6K for Water. The Global 6K will be a virtual race, which means you can complete it on your own, on any course you choose, even on a treadmill! Upon registration, Team World Vision will send you your race bib, a t-shirt, and a finisher’s medal. Feel free to run, walk, rollerblade, or even push a stroller for this race. We have mapped out a course for your convenience at Perry Farm. There is no official training plan for the 6K.

Michigan Titanium Triathlon

August 11, 2024

Many of you have joined our Team World Vision Marathon team and completed the Chicago marathon while also raising funds to help supply clean water through World Vision. A lesser-known option to support World Vision is with a triathlon which includes swimming, biking, and running. If you have already completed the marathon or are just looking for a bigger challenge, consider a triathlon. Various lengths can be completed to accommodate different ability levels from a Sprint, Olympic, and Half, all the way up to a Full-Distance Triathlon. The triathlon will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 11, 2024. For more information please contact team captain Dale Hathaway at hathaway@olivet.edu.

Use code TC_TWV to get a 20% off your race registration. 

Make a Donation for Clean Water

If you are unable to run but would still like to join in helping those in need, you can make a donation in the name of clean water to the GatheringPoint team. Write a check payable to “GatheringPoint” with “Team World Vision” in the memo, or place cash in a giving envelope labeled “Team World Vision” and drop it in any one of our give boxes located throughout the building and 100% of your donation will go toward clean water for those in need.

You can also mail checks to:
 
GatheringPoint
c/o Pastor Mark Russell
897 Bourbonnais Parkway
Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Ready to join us for the Chicago Marathon? Check out this video!

Have a question about GP Running Club? Contact Pastor Mark Russell at mrussell@gartheringpt.com.