Rain or shine, the 5K race at Monmouth Battlefield State Park on Route 33, Manalapan, will take place July 25. Although race director Michael Johnson would prefer to have ideal conditions for a race, a little rain would be appropriate.

After all, the American Water Works Association New Jersey Section is conducting the Run for Water 5K, which will benefit Water for People. The start time for the race is 9:30 a.m.

Johnson, who was a distance runner at Freehold Township High School and then at Rutgers University, is a civil engineer who does volunteer work for Water for People. It was his idea, as a runner, to use a road race as a fundraiser for the organization that brings clean drinking water to Africa, Latin America and Asia.

The region that Water for People is raising funds for this year is Malawi, Africa.

"I'm trying to get other people aware of our organization," said Johnson, who would like to turn the race into an annual event. "I'm hoping it's one of those things that catches on."

For people who are accustomed to just turning on a faucet for their water and taking it for granted, there may not be an awareness that there are millions of people around the world who have no such luxury. That is where Water for People comes in.

"They [Water for People] don't just come in with water and walk away," Johnson said. "They drill wells and build toilets. They look for sustainable areas they can keep going."

Education is equally important, he added, noting that there is no use drilling a well if the local residents are not aware of proper hygiene and sanitation. Maintaining safe, clean drinking water is the organization's goal. And, of course, it costs money to build and maintain these villages and communities, and that is where events like the 5K run that Johnson is directing comes in.

As a civil engineer who knows how vital water is, this is an issue that is close to his heart.

"It's pretty important to me," Johnson said. "When I'm out in the field, I think about people who don't have water."

Johnson chose to bring the running event, which includes a half-mile fun run, to Monmouth Battlefield State Park because he was familiar with the park from his high school days. He ran cross country races and did training runs at the park.

The Freehold Area Running Club, which uses the park for its summer race series, is cooperating with Johnson on the July 25 event.

Day-of-race registration will begin at 8 a.m. For additional information about the Run for Water, call the FARC hotline at 732-431- 2627 or visit www.farcnj.com.