Anyone who knows me knows I don’t like running. I don’t like working out or being out of breath in general. Running seems like such an efficient way to exercise, and runners are always so into it, that every few years I get some kind of wild idea that I should try running again. It never lasts more than 30 seconds. I remember “Oh yeah, I hate running,” and then I just walk, and everyone’s happy again.

This is one of the reasons I am in awe of people who run marathons. It’s mostly “How can you do that to your body?” but also “Wow, you can do that with your body!” And then there are people like my co-worker, Doug.

Not only is Doug participating in this weekend’s Los Angeles Marathon and punishing his body in order to do so, but he is also doing it to inspire people. Doug is running a relay to raise money for Team World Vision, a group that brings clean water to communities that need it most. Here’s what Doug has to say about why he’s doing this:

I was inspired to run with Team World Vision after learning how many people still don’t have access to clean water, something I take for granted. Did you know that nearly 1,600 children under 5 die every day from diarrhea caused by dirty water, poor sanitation, and improper hygiene? World Vision is providing a new person with clean water every 30 seconds and the funds I raise through this race will help them continue to do so until the clean water crisis is over, something that is possible in our lifetime.

Through World Vision’s water projects, $50 brings clean water that lasts to one person. Together, my wife and I have committed to a goal of raising $5,000, clean water for 100 people.

These funds will bring clean water that frees children from deadly disease and liberates women and children from a life spent gathering dirty water. It restores health and opens the door to education, a promising future, and a full life.

Doug and his wife sponsor a child in Uganda named Ronald, who benefits from the very wells built by Team World Vision’s efforts. He doesn’t talk about it much around the office, but he’s been quietly building support from generous people who want to see him go far. We can all go farther by supporting him.

Click here to help bring clean water to people across the world!