Many athletes and competitors have a general idea of what it feels like to be thirsty out on the trail....but let's be honest..... We have plenty of water to drink -- even the water in our toilets is clean!

But many people around the world don’t have that luxury. Every day, about 1,400 children die from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are simple solutions like drilled wells, spring protections and BioSand filters that help provide clean water to communities around the world.

I started this fundraising campaign to help charity: water build these types of projects around the world.

If you've found some enjoyment from the photos of this year's race, please consider donating. Anything will help, and be put towards a good cause.

100% of the money will be used to build clean water projects, and when they’re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped.

Nice work pushing the limits out there. I look forward to crossing paths with you all again soon.

Jason Johnson