Gulu City will host the second edition of the Gulu Marathon on Saturday, Dec. 6, with organisers and sponsors pledging a larger and more vibrant event than last year’s inaugural run.
The marathon was launched on Thursday at Kampala Club, where partners said the race, rooted in cultural heritage, tourism promotion, health, education and economic empowerment, is growing into a major annual fixture for Northern Uganda.
Robert Wanok, Head of Retail at Equity Bank, said the lender’s continued sponsorship reflects its focus on community development.
“Our sponsorship is strongly aligned with our mission to transform lives and livelihoods while promoting health, community engagement and cultural preservation,” Wanok said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue standing with the people of Northern Uganda.”
He added: “The story of Gulu is a story of resilience, of heritage and of Africa. We believe that when each partner picks up one piece of the work, we collectively build the bigger picture because it truly takes a community to raise a generation and to shape a future.”
Organisers say participation has already surpassed last year’s numbers. “Last year our target was 500 runners; we registered 600. This year, we have already exceeded our target again,” marathon convenor Francis Gimara said. “This marathon would not be possible without our partners who have come on board to co create a meaningful and impactful event that benefits both the community and their own brand objectives.”
The World Athletics certified race continues to position itself as more than a local event, with organisers highlighting its role in promoting health, education, culture and community strengthening, priorities they say mirror Equity Bank’s mission of empowering communities.
The event will conclude with a Northern Ugandan buffet dinner, traditional performances and an afterparty featuring Swangz Avenue artists and production by Buzz Events, with Tusker Lite powering the celebrations.
Excitement has also grown around the cash prizes, drawing interest from athletes across the region. Ronald Oloya, a peer mentor and addiction coach in Gulu, said the rewards create meaningful opportunities for young people.
“Such measures are very good. They give young people meaningful activities where they can participate and earn,” he said. “It is more than just a run; it is going to bring the city together, foster unity and showcase what Gulu is all about, the vibes, the culture.”
Winners of the 42 km race will take home UGX 3 million, UGX 1.5 million and UGX 1 million for first, second and third place respectively. The 21 km category will award UGX 1.5 million, UGX 1 million and UGX 500,000, while the 10 km and wheelchair race winners will earn UGX 1 million, UGX 500,000 and UGX 250,000.