Gulu Municipality came to full life on Saturday, 6th December 2025 as the second edition of the Gulu City Marathon took place.
By the eve of the D-day, excitement was envisaged within this Northern Uganda city as runners, company marketing executives and other businesspersons filtered through in preparation for the run whose them was “Running for Culture and Heritage”.
The scramble to attain modest accommodation was felt as many hotels as possible and accommodation facilities were overbooked.
Meals in most hotels and restaurants unusually got served beyond the limit and many were emptied by 9 PM on Friday.
There was a last-minute rush for running kits was witnessed since the originally planned 1500 kits were all sold out a week to the race proper.
Runners reported to the historical Kaunda grounds (Start and finishing venue for the race) as early as 4 AM on the race day before the limbering drills commenced well in time to flag off the 42KM runners.
Ambassador Olara Otunnu flagged off the 42 KM race won by 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.
Networking and exercising fiesta:
During the races proper, it was an opportune moment to mingle for all the participants. Persons from different ages, gender, walks of lives, races and work stations were brought together through the power of the marathon.
Traditional running clubs that are decimated across the country also converged in Gulu city once again as the year comes to a grand climax.
Promising rewards:
From airtickets, money (cash) to material goodies, the Gulu City marathon served them all, in raw abundance.
Three airtickets courtesy of Uganda Airlines were given out after a raffle 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.
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 want to thank all the participants, sponsors and key partners for the positive response towards having a successful Gulu City Marathon for the second-year running. 2026 will be bigger and even much better” Francis Gimara, a key organizer of the Gulu City marathon remarked.
The run’s charity element had 10 % of the event proceeds 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.
The after-party was full of fun spiced by music diva Azawi as Tusker Lite was served to everyone who requested as the celebrations continued.
Many people will definitely stay in Gulu city for another night to tour the town and other surrounding areas.
The third edition will be held on 5th December 2025 and already preparations are have started with immediate effect.
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