Overview:
Farida Donia (winner of the 10Km women race), Evas Nasasira (21KM women winner) and Peter Akwech (21km men winner) all got air-tickets courtesy of Uganda Airlines.
2025 Gulu City Marathon:
- Airticket winners: Farida Donia, Evas Nasasira & Peter Akwech
Close to 2000 people took part in the second edition of the Gulu City Marathon held on Saturday, 6th December 2025 under the theme-line “Running for Culture and Heritage”.
The historical Kaunda grounds (the official start, finishing and after-party venue) was a sea of people as early as 4 AM on the race day.
Ambassador Olara Otunnu flagged off the 42 KM race won by Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Allan Andiema (also 2024 winner) and Joy Roberts (ladies).
Uganda’s middle distance female star athlete Halima Nakaayi flagged off the Half marathon (21KM).
Dignitaries as Hon. Norbert Mao (Justice and Constitutional minister), Lt. Gen Charles Otema Awany, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Reserve Force Commander, Gulu City Mayor His Worship Fred Okwonga and Uganda Baati Managing Director George Arodi and others were also engaged in the flag-off for the wheel chair, 10KM and 5KM respective races.
Enticing rewards:
Virtually, everyone was a winner on the day. Every paid-up participant received a well branded race T-Shirt and Bib that guaranteed him or her of a finisher’s medal.
The day was blessed with conducive running weather, networking forum and the opportunity to shed off the extra sweat with a smile.
The excelling crop of runners received air-tickets (after a raffle draw), money (cash) and material goodies.
Three airtickets courtesy of Uganda Airlines were given out following a transparent draw involving the top three performers per race.
Farida Donia (winner of the 10Km women race), Evas Nasasira (21KM women winner) and Peter Akwech (21km men winner) all got air-tickets courtesy of Uganda Airlines.
Mr. Money:
Cash was given to the top three performers per race with the main marathon winners (male and female) each taking home Ug.Shs 3,000,000.
The half marathon winners (male and female) each got 1,500,000 whilst the wheel chair winners (Richard Ocira and Polline Acayo) each received Ug.Shs 1,000,000.
Each top performer received accompanying gift hampers.
“I thank the organizing committee of the Gulu City Marathon for thinking about us the disabled people. Now, we were able to run too, win money and other prizes. We are humbled and may this race take place every year” Ocira, who won the wheelchair race for the men stated.
Ten (10 %) of the event proceeds will be channeled towards the Martin Aliker Youth Skilling Centre in Abole, Omoro District.
Sponsors & partners:
Uganda Baati, Uganda Breweries Limited (under Tusker Lite brand), 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), Electoral Commission, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCCA) and Swangz Avenue joined hands to make the event a success.
Music diva Azawi is the headline singer for the after-party with Tusker Lite beer expected to flow like the majestic River Nile sailing across the Karuma Falls.
Confirmations for the third edition have been made with the date already red marked as 5th December 2025.
Other Top performers:
Wheelchair category:
- Men winner: Richard Ocira
- Women winner: Polline Acayo
42 KM:
Top 5 (Men):
1 – Allan Andiema – 2:17:16
2- Anthony Ayeko – 2:19:34
3 – Isaac Masai – 2:21:53
4 – Michael Kiprotich – 2:23:43
5 – Simon Kasyate – 2:30:58
Women (Top 6):
1 – Joy Roberts – 3:25:53
2 – Joan Chebet – 3:43:11
3 – Phanice Chemutai – 3:47:45
4 – Scalet Chemos – 3:48:30
5 – Maurine Koech – 3:54:46
6 – Reech Alek – 3:57:35
21 KM:
Men (Top 5):
1 – Peter Akwech – 01:03:03
2 – Abel Chebet – 01:03:20
3 – Fred Kusuro – 01:07:35
4 – Brian Twebaze – 01:07:54
5 – Ronald Nsereko – 01:11:17
Ladies (Top 5):
1 – Evas Nasasira – 01:15:43
2 – Ruth Cheptoyek – 01:19:34
3 – Yeko Chekwemoi – 01:20:58
4 – Eva Masika – 01:34:54
5 – Eliza Mbambu – 01:38:08
10 KM:
Men (Top 5):
1 – Laban Kibet – 00:31:06
2 – Daniel Odwe – 00:31:55
3 – Arthur Opio – 00:33:19
4 – Jonan Musasizi – 00:33:22
5 – Jonathan Lulenzi – 00:36:48
Women (Top 5):
1 – Farida Donia – 00:41:22
2 – Brenda Acayo – 00:52:44
3 – Paige Balcom – 00:55:51
4 – Evelyn Wanyana – 00:57:36
5 – Audrey Kukundakwe – 01:01:55
5KM
Men (Top 5):
1 – Genesis Androa – 00:24:14
2 – Godfrey Nyeko – 00:30:06
3 – Reagan Opiyo – 00:32:52
4 – Godfrey Kiiza – 00:33:15
5 – Farid Kasule – 00:34:09
Women (Top 5):
1 – Petwa Abulo – 00:26:46
2 – Rebecca Lanyero – 00:34:55
3 – Lilly Atimango – 00:36:14
4 – Angel Kirabo – 00:37:06
5 – Rosette Kakayi – 00:37:06
