By Our Reporter
Gulu City is set to host the second edition of the Gulu Marathon this Saturday, 6th December. The marathon was launched yesterday at Kampala Club with marathon, officials and sponsors promising an even bigger and more vibrant experience than the inaugural outing.
Deeply rooted in cultural heritage, tourism promotion, health, education, and economic empowerment, the marathon brings together a wide network of partners and sponsors who contribute far beyond financial support. Their collective efforts continue to champion wellness, unity, and community development across the region.
Robert Wanok, the Head of Retail at Equity Bank, reaffirmed the institution’s dedication: “Our sponsorship is strongly aligned with our mission to transform lives and livelihoods while promoting health, community engagement and cultural preservation. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue standing with the people of Northern Uganda.”
He added, “The story of Gulu is a story of resilience, of heritage and of Africa. We believe that when each partner picks up one piece of the work, we collectively build the bigger picture because it truly takes a community to raise a generation and to shape a future.”
After the race, select participants and visitors will be treated to a Northern Ugandan buffet dinner on Saturday night, complete with performances from local musicians and authentic cultural entertainment. The celebrations will continue with performances from Swangz Avenue artists, production by Buzz Events, and an energetic after-party powered by Tusker Lite, who promise a fun-filled night.
Marathon convener Francis Gimara expressed excitement over the overwhelming support. “Last year our target was 500 runners; we registered 600. This year, we have already exceeded our target again. We are truly grateful for the growing support. This marathon would not be possible without our partners who have come on board to co-create a meaningful and impactful event that benefits both the community and their own brand objectives.”
Beyond the race, the marathon continues to stand as a strong driver of education, culture, health and community strengthening values that align closely with Equity Bank’s mission of empowering communities for sustainable transformation.
With its World Athletics certification, the Gulu Marathon is more than just a local run, it is now a globally recognized event.
Winners in the 42km will walk away with UGX 3M, 1.5M, and 1M for the first, second and third place respectively; in the 21km it will be UGX 1.5M, 1M, and 500K; 10km winners will get UGX 1M, 500K, and 250K. The wheel chair Race which is the highlight of the marathon will also earn like the 10km winners. The marathon flag-off and finishing point are set at Kaunda Grounds.