Running 200 marathons towards a global water solution | UN News
On the morning of the 2023 UN Water Conference, ultra-marathon runner Mina Guli has completed a year-long, campaign to run 200 marathons, raising awareness of the world’s water crisis. She completed her last run at UN Headquarters, the location of the major event, the first of its kind in almost half a century.
"I'm running 200 marathons in a year because the world still turns a blind eye to our worsening water crises,” said Ms. Guli. “I run ridiculous distances because it is completely ridiculous that billions of people still lack access to safe water and sanitation. I run to ensure that water and freshwater ecosystems are at the centre of global debates about food and energy security, climate adaptation and sustainable development - and to inspire real action.”
The Australian businesswoman and founder of the Thirst Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on raising awareness and driving action on water, has spoken at the United Nations and many other global forums.
“Running all these marathons is hard but not impossible - just like the steps governments and companies need to take to solve the world's water crises,” continued Ms. Guli. “The UN Water Conference is an unprecedented opportunity to transform the world’s failed approach to water and the rivers, lakes and wetlands that provide it. We must all act now.”
