Overview:
Themed “Running for culture and heritage”, the Gulu City marathon is growing in stature, relevance and impact. With a couple of marathons and runs organized within and outside the country since January, the December event is a more like a season ender for running clubs and individuals alike. It will once be a platform to make-merry, exercise, network and shed a sweat for the right cause – charity as every finisher is assured of a medal.
- Event: 2nd Gulu City Marathon
- Date: Saturday, 6th December 2025
- Categories: 42KM, 21KM, 10KM, 5KM
- Start & Finish: Kaunda Grounds, Gulu city
- Theme: Running for culture & heritage
December is the final month of the year. It is the season to reflect about the work tasks, achievements and challenges in the past 11 months.
Many people optimally utilize December to refresh their minds and weary bodies from the grueling weeks since January.
Active and retired runners have one juicy event to accomplish; jog and run in the second edition of the Gulu City Marathon slated for Saturday, 6th December 2025 in Northern Uganda.
Themed “Running for culture and heritage”, the Gulu City marathon is growing in stature, relevance and impact.
With a couple of marathons and runs organized within and outside the country since January, the December event is a more like a season ender for running clubs and individuals alike.
It will once be a platform to make-merry, exercise, network and shed a sweat for the right cause – charity as every finisher is assured of a medal.
Already with a confirmed sold-out 1500 runners, the Gulu City marathon has also lured more sponsors and partners to make it better and transformative.
Uganda Breweries Limited under the Tusker Lite brand, now a household name in running and lifestyle circles is part of the latest partners on board.
The writing is well spelt on the wall, Tusker Lite will illuminate the mood at Kaunda grounds and Gulu in general with their signature energy and vibrance.
As part of the deal, Tusker Lite will elevate the marathon after-party with a VIP experience featuring local and national artist performances, premium refreshments, and an unforgettable celebration atmosphere where music diva Azawi among the performing artists confirmed to perform.
“The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon, which marked its fourth edition this year, has given us valuable experience and insight. We are now bringing that energy and expertise to the Gulu City Marathon. Tusker Lite is all about encouraging people to live active, social, and fulfilling lives. We want to fuel experiences that celebrate individuality, progressiveness, and vibrant social energy,” Denise Nazzinda, the Tusker Lite Brand Manager at Uganda Breweries Ltd told reporters at Kampala Club during a press briefing.
Other partners and sponsors:
Besides Tusker Lite, the other partners and sponsors include Uganda Baati (medical camp host), 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.
Elite runners led by 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games bronze medalist (10,000m) Abel Chebet will be part of the 2nd Gulu City Marathon.
Chebet is also a triple winner of the half marathon of the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon.
“I am fired up and ready for the Gulu City Marathon. I have recovered well since the 10,000m race in Saudi Arabia. Gulu comes with its own demands and challenges. I am ready to experience the feel of Gulu and definitely the fun” Chebet who finished behind Samuel Simba Cherop in Riyadh reveals.
The main marathon (42KM) will be flagged off by female star athlete Halima Nakaayi and Ambassador Olara Otuunu whilst the half marathon (21KM) shall be flagged off by the Deputy Speaker of Ugandan Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa.
Francis Gimara, chairperson of the Gulu City Marathon Steering Committee, welcomes everyone to Gulu.
“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. 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 remarks.
The Gulu City marathon has continued with its CSR trajectory. 10 % of the event proceeds will go towards the Martin Aliker Youth Skilling Centre in Abole, Omoro District.
