​ International steeplechase record holder to run a Marathon in aid of Hope Spring

Ecuador’s reigning 3,000 meters’ steeplechase champion, and accomplished long distance runner Cristian Patiño, is to run a Marathon in aid of Hope Spring. The marathon takes place on Sunday, 7^th of October 2018. A sustainable development consultant by profession, Christian Patiño has won medals on track and field. He represented his country, Ecuador for more than a decade. During the eleven years he competed for his country, he won medals in various steeplechase distances including 2,000 and 3,000 meters.

In his professional life, he works as a sustainable development consultant. An occupation that helped him to see at first hand, the challenges posed by access to clean water and adequate sanitation, by some of the most vulnerable people around the world. Answering questions about what motivated him to train for the upcoming marathon, he said, “Running for a charity that alleviates water poverty is not just motivating, but an honour. I will be running every single mile, thinking that I am contributing in a little way, to alleviate one of the most difficult problems facing humanity: water poverty.”

Other than to raise money for Hope Spring Water, Cristian hopes that running the 26.2-mile challenge Marathon de Guayaquil, will help to raise awareness about water poverty in his country, Ecuador, where the event takes place.

According to Hope Spring director for Nigeria, Mr Temple Oraeki “support from individuals such as Christian Patiño, do make a significant difference to the lives of people living with water poverty. Funds raised by Christian’s marathon will build a well, that will serve a village of up to one hundred people”. He added “that is one hundred lives saved, from the estimated fifty thousand under five who die in Nigeria every year, due to water related causes”.

A page set up by Hope Spring Water, to support Christian Patiño marathon event, has been attracting message of support and donations, from the athlete’s supporters from Ecuador, United States, the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

For more information, please visit www.hopespring.org.uk. For inquiries, please 01981 541339 or send an email to hello@hopespring.org.uk.

Media Contact Temple Oraeki
Phone: 01981 541339