James Cracknell runs for water

Sponsor James today on his Justgiving page.

Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell is using his talents to raise money and awareness for WaterAid.

Credit: WaterAid

On Sunday 30 September James Cracknell ran the Great North Run for WaterAid, helping some of the world's poorest people gain access to water and sanitation.

James ran the 20 kilometre route in a time of 1:20.31. Many women and children in the developing world walk the equivalent of the Great North Run every day, to collect water that is often unsafe to drink.

Watch a slideshow of the 2007 event here.

James, WaterAid's sports ambassador, said:

"It was an amazing event, to be surrounded by people running for so many different causes. That so much money can be raised by people getting fit makes the day even better. Having run for WaterAid and watched the way all the runners grabbed the bottle of water that was handed to them as they crossed the line re-affirmed to me how lucky we are in this country to have clean water on tap."

James first became aware of the problems of lack of access to safe drinking water during his Atlantic row:

"When I was rowing across the Atlantic our water maker broke down and we were left with four litres of water to last the two of us for three days. Previously we'd been living on 12 litres a day each. To be without something that I have taken for granted all my life was shocking, but what is even more shocking is that people are facing a lack of water every day of their lives across Africa and Asia."

110 people ran for WaterAid in the Great North Run, some quirkier than others such as Katie Ellison, the running toilet!

Credit: WaterAid

James' efforts, along with those of a further 110 WaterAid runners, should raise £40,000 - double last year's figure. This is enough to provide over 2,500 people with these most basic needs and help them to take the first steps out of poverty.

James, who is taking time out from his training for his next adventure rowing to the South Pole with Ben Fogle, hopes to raise much needed funds for the charity.

"This is the first event Ben and I have done together since the Atlantic row, so it should be interesting! I spoke to Brendan Foster, the Great North Run organiser, about my training and he said he doubts I'll be any good because I've spent so much of my life exercising sitting down!"

Sponsor James today on his Justgiving page. 
Don't forget, WaterAid can typically provide one person with safe water and sanitation for just £15.

Feel inspired? Find out more about running for WaterAid here.

For further information about James and WaterAid, interviews and photos call Beth Jepson on 0207 7934796 or 07920 535109, or email bethjepson@wateraid.org.