Running without water can be a challenge. Living without water is impossible.

With that in mind, organizers of the Run For Water, a charity exercise event that raises money for clean drinking water in Ethiopia, are expecting a bigger and better turnout for this year's event, which takes place on Sunday at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford.

In 2008, Run for Water's inaugural year, there were 650 participants.

In 2010, that number nearly quadrupled, as 2,400 runners took part and raised about $140,000 for clean drinking water.

This year, organizers are expecting upwards of 3,500 people to take part and hoping to raise more than $150,000.

"It's grown exponentially over the years . . . if we could flirt with [$200,000] that would be great," said Ken Baerg, the race director.

"We're all inspired by staging a great running event and helping to build an event that helps build community . . . and recognize the water crisis that exists in the world.

"At the foundation of every struggling economy is a lack of access to clean water, and certainly it has everything to do with health and hygiene for so many people."

There will also be a major change to this year's event.

Participants can enter in the marathon portion of the run, which is 42.2 kilometres in length, and have a chance to qualify for the historical Boston Marathon.

The length of the Run for Water marathon has been measured exactly so that it meets the standard of a Boston Marathon qualifier.

Baerg said he hopes the change will help attract more participants to the Run for Water from outside Abbotsford and perhaps bring a more international flavour to the event.

"I think that helps us increase the profile of the entire event," he said.

"It's been a great addition."

But the run isn't just formatted for marathon athletes.

The event features a half marathon (21.1 kilometres), a 10-kilometre run and a 5 km fun run.

People of all different ages and abilities are encouraged to try out the fun run.

There will also be a fundraising gala and art auction on Friday night at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre.

– For more information on Run for Water, or on how to participate, check out www.runforwater.ca.

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