Gulu city marathon banks on tourism, health to drive community growth
"We have learnt a lot from the previous two editions. We listened to the feedback and all considerations from people. We are now organising an even better event this year," Gimara said.
Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs with the Gulu City Marathon Organising Team at the Launch at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. (Courtesy Photo)
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The third edition of the Gulu City Marathon will this year go beyond the finish line, with organisers introducing a two-day mega health camp aimed at improving access to medical services for thousands of residents in Gulu City and surrounding communities.
The marathon, scheduled for December 5, 2026, at Kaunda Grounds under the theme; Run to Raise HIV and AIDS Awareness was officially launched on July 30, 2026, at the Sheraton Hotel Kampala. Organisers said the event has evolved into a platform for promoting healthy living, tourism, culture and community transformation.
Marathon chairman Francis Gimara said this year's edition has been expanded to offer more than just competitive running. Besides the race, participants and visitors will take part in a cultural dinner, exhibitions, tourism activities and health outreach.
"We have learnt a lot from the previous two editions. We listened to the feedback and all considerations from people. We are now organising an even better event this year," Gimara said.
He said the two-day health camp will encourage residents and participants to prioritise preventive healthcare by providing a range of free medical services.
"We encourage every participant and member of the public to actively utilise the health services that will be available during this year's marathon," he said.
The health camp builds on the success of last year's outreach, which provided comprehensive medical services to more than 5,000 people from Gulu City and neighbouring villages. Services included diagnostic testing, immunisation, counselling, and treatment for malaria, sexually transmitted infections and respiratory infections. There were also dental and eye care services, family planning education and HIV/AIDS management.
"The marathon is now recognised by both the national and international athletics federations, giving athletes an opportunity to earn internationally recognised results while promoting Uganda's sports development," he said.
Organisers expect between 2,500 and 4,000 participants to take part in this year's event across the 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km race categories.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, who was the chief guest, described the Gulu City Marathon as a catalyst for rebuilding communities affected by decades of conflict in northern Uganda.
"The marathon is helping reverse the impact of the conflict that northern Uganda experienced," Mao said.
Referring to findings from previous health outreaches, Mao said they had revealed a continued need to strengthen health awareness, particularly among young people.
"There is still a need to invest in good causes like these and in people. Community transformation is not always determined by the majority but by committed individuals who choose to make a difference," he noted.
Mao also commended the organisers for using sports to uplift communities and encouraged more Ugandans to join Rotary clubs, noting that he is a member of the Rotary Club of Gulu.
Jackie Tahakanizibwa, the head of corporate and external affairs at Uganda Baati, who are among the partners for the event, said the marathon has grown into more than a sporting event.
"It is about restoring hope, promoting healthy living, celebrating our heritage and showcasing the resilience of the people of northern Uganda," Tahakanizibwa said.
Tahakanizibwa said the health report from last year's marathon reported 19 young individuals tested positive for HIV, hence the need for a bigger health campaign at this year's run.
Amos Masaba Wekesa, the managing director of Great Lakes Safaris, urged leaders across northern Uganda to fully support the marathon, saying it has the potential to become a major driver of sports tourism and local economic growth.
Furthermore, Wekesa believes the success of this year's marathon will greatly depend on the active participation of all leaders, stakeholders, influencers and sports enthusiasts from the Northern Region, as the only window to attract numbers from across the country.
He said the event creates business opportunities for hotels, transport operators, tour companies, local vendors and other entrepreneurs who benefit from the influx of visitors during the marathon weekend.
Shem Naggenda, the President of the Rotary Club of Kampala, whose club is spearheading the project, reaffirmed Rotary's commitment to growing the marathon into one of Uganda's flagship sporting events while continuing to invest in community development programmes.
The third edition of the Gulu City Marathon will be held on December 5, 2026, at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City.