As the year draws to a close, preparations are in full gear for the second edition of the Gulu Marathon, scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 6, in Gulu City. The event was officially launched on Wednesday at Kampala Club, where organizers, sponsors, and partners promised an even bigger and more vibrant experience than last year’s inaugural marathon.
Deeply grounded in cultural heritage, tourism promotion, health, education, and economic empowerment, the Gulu Marathon has quickly grown into a flagship event for Northern Uganda. It brings together a wide network of partners whose contributions extend well beyond financial support, helping champion wellness, unity, and inclusive community development.
Equity Bank, a key sponsor, reaffirmed its commitment to the marathon’s vision. Robert Wanok, the bank’s Head of Retail, highlighted the alignment between the marathon and the bank’s mission:
“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.”
Wanok added that Gulu’s story is one of “resilience, heritage, and Africa,” noting that meaningful impact is created when partners come together with shared purpose. “It truly takes a community to raise a generation and to shape a future,” he said.
This year’s marathon promises more than just a race. After crossing the finish line at Kaunda Grounds, select runners and visitors will enjoy a Northern Ugandan buffet dinner accompanied by performances from local musicians and traditional entertainers. The celebrations will extend into the night with performances from Swangz Avenue artists, production by Buzz Events, and an energetic after-party powered by Tusker Lite.
Marathon convenor Francis Gimara expressed excitement over the growing support for the event. “Last year our target was 500 runners; we registered 600. This year, we have already exceeded our target again,” he revealed. “We are truly grateful for the support. This marathon would not be possible without our partners who co-create a meaningful and impactful event that benefits both the community and their brand objectives.”
Beyond participation, the Gulu Marathon continues to champion education, culture, health, and social cohesion—values that strongly align with Equity Bank’s mission to empower communities for sustainable transformation.
Now certified by World Athletics, the Gulu Marathon has gained international recognition, further elevating its status beyond a local sporting event.
Excitement is already building across the region following the announcement of cash prizes. Youth mentor and addiction coach Ronald Oloya believes the incentives will inspire young people to engage meaningfully.
“Such measures are very good. They give young people activities where they can participate and earn,” he said. “It’s more than just a run—it will bring the city together, foster unity, and showcase what Gulu is all about.”
Winners in the 42km race will walk away with UGX 3 million, 1.5 million, and 1 million for first, second, and third place, respectively. For the 21km race, cash prizes stand at UGX 1.5 million, 1 million, and 500,000. The 10km category winners will receive UGX 1 million, 500,000, and 250,000. The wheelchair race—one of the highlights of the marathon—will receive the same prize structure as the 10km category.
With heightened interest, strong partnerships, and a promise of culture-rich festivities, the 2025 Gulu Marathon is set to be one of the most exciting and impactful events of the year in Northern Uganda.
