Overview:
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa will officially flag off the Half marathon race (21KM). Themed “Running for Culture and Heritage,” the Gulu City Marathon will feature the 42 km full marathon, 21 km half marathon, 10 km, and 5 km fun and family runs. All runners who complete their races will receive finisher medals as a celebration of their achievement.
Uganda’s 800M star female runner Halima Nakaayi has been confirmed among the star athletes who will grace the second edition of the Gulu City Marathon on Saturday, 6th December 2025.
Nakaayi, a gold medalist at the Commonwealth Youth Games (2011) and World Championships (2019), will along with Ambassador Olara Otunnu, flag off the 42KM runners at the Kaunda Grounds.
Fresh from competing at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Nakaayi duly confirmed her availability for the task at hand.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, will officially flag off the half-marathon race (21KM).
The development was confirmed by Francis Gimara, the chairperson of the Gulu City Marathon steering committee, during a media briefing at Kampala Club, Limited.
“We shall have world star Halima Nakaayi flagging off the 42 KM race alongside Ambassador Olara Otunnu. The 21KM race will be flagged off by Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament,” Gimara affirmed in his address to the media.
In the same vein, he commended the different partners and stakeholders who have joined the organizing team.
Uganda Baati, Equity Bank, Uganda Airlines, National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), CFAO Mobility, Suzuki, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Krystal Water, National Information Technology Authority (NITA), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and Swangz Avenue.
“A big shout out to the different partners who have joined hands to make the event a success. We have a sold-out crowd of over 1500 runners. Initially, we expected about 1,000 runners this year but we registered 1,500. We actually sold out with a couple of days to the event, which is a testimony of the evolving running culture, a good sign that people care about their health, one of the aims the marathon wants to achieve,” Gimara spoke.
Gimara added that other aspects like security, course readiness, and the like have been taken care of, and they’re good to go.
“The course was assessed this year by Gavin Wright, one of the very few World Athletics accredited route measurers in Africa. He’s the very person who assessed the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon route in Kasese before it was accredited by World Athletics,” Gimara stated, adding that the race will have a global timing system this year with the timers already in town.
Categories:
Themed “Running for Culture and Heritage”, the Gulu City Marathon will feature the 42 km full marathon, 21 km half marathon, 10 km, and 5 km fun and family runs.
All runners who complete their races will receive finisher medals as a celebration of their achievement.
Tusker Lite will bring their signature energy and vibrance to Gulu.
The brand will elevate the marathon after-party with a VIP experience featuring local and national artist performances, premium refreshments, and an unforgettable celebration atmosphere.
Denise Nazzinda, the Tusker Lite Brand Manager at Uganda Breweries Ltd, affirmed their readiness for a great party in Gulu.
“Tusker Lite is ready to illuminate Gulu and bring life to Gulu with a vibrant after-party,” Nazzinda assured.
Uganda Baati, which has a presence in Gulu, will host a medical camp.
The marathon has continued with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) trajectory.
10 % of the event proceeds will go towards the Martin Aliker Youth Skilling Centre in Abole, Omoro District.
Kits collection points:
The marathon kits can be collected at the different designated points.
In Kampala: the marathon office in Arie Towers (5th floor), Fast and Furious at Kampala Club, Omera Restaurant (Bukoto and Forest Mall Lugogo branches), and Zest Sports at Oasis Mall.
In Gulu, the kits are at CFAO Mobility Offices along Kitgum Road, Gulu City Inn, and the Uganda Baati Gulu Office.
