1500 runners set for the second edition of the Gulu City Marathon

The chairperson of the event’s steering committee for the second edition of the Gulu City Marathon due on December 6, Francis Gimara, has revealed that the run due on December 6 has attracted 1500 runners.

He disclosed this during a pre-event press conference at Kampala Club on Wednesday at which he unveiled the sponsors of the event that will start at the Kaunda Grounds in Gulu. 

A galaxy of sponsors, including Tusker Lite, Uganda Baati, CFAO, Krystal Water, Equity Bank, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Uganda Airlines, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), National Information Technology Authority (NITA), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and Swangz Avenue, have combined resources to ensure the second World Athletics Federation-certified run in the country is a success. 

These were represented by Denise Nazzinda, Camila Wangoi, Patricia Tusubira, Jackie Tahakanizibwa, Sheba Bamwine, Robert Wanok, and George Milton Mukula. The annual run that encompasses 42, 21, 10, and 5 km routes celebrates Gulu’s culture and heritage by bringing together local traditions, music, and art as well as promoting domestic tourism. It will kick-off with a fully -fledged health camp courtesy of Uganda Baati on Thursday.

“Many years ago, we thought about an event that would combine health and culture, encourage Ugandans to become healthier, encourage Ugandans to be more health-conscious, and encourage Ugandans to run more,” Gimara said.

“Because, as you know, lifestyle diseases are on the rise, and as stakeholders, we need to be thinking about how we create platforms to address what the Ministry of Health has now termed a crisis. This event not only helps preserve our cultural heritage but also builds a strong sense of community,” he stated.

“So, we have now from last year many people who are going to do their first 42 kilometers this year. Many people are going to do their first 21 kilometers this year, and many people are coming to do the 10 kilometers as well as the five kilometers, meaning that our earlier intention of growing this from 500 to 1000 has been exceeded.

“We had planned for 1,000 people this year, but as I speak, we are overwhelmed by the numbers. So, we have sold out, which to us is a testimony that many people now want to run. Hence, the objective of health is being attained. The other reason was that we needed a marathon that gives back to the community. So, we said a percent of the registration proceeds will go towards a worthy community cause in that region. So last year, we gave to the education initiative that supports bright children in northern Uganda who are unable to pay fees. So, 10% of last year's proceeds went to that cause. This year, our cause is to contribute to the setup of the Martin Alike Skilling Center,” Gimara stated.

All the sponsors said they joined to support the community’s well-being and to promote health, unity, and tourism. Tusker Lite, which lit up the Rwenzori Marathon, has brought that same spirit to Gulu.

“The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon celebrated its fourth year this year and gave us valuable experience. Now, we are bringing that same energy and expertise to the Gulu City Marathon.

Tusker Lite encourages people to live active, social, and fulfilling lives. We aim to support experiences that celebrate individuality, progress, and vibrant social energy,” said Denise Nazzinda, the Tusker Lite Brand Manager at Uganda Breweries.

Marathon kits can be collected in Kampala at the marathon office in Arie Towers (5th floor), Fast and Furious at Kampala Club, Omera Restaurant (Bukoto and Forest Mall Lugogo branches), and Zest Sports at Oasis Mall. In Gulu at CFAO Mobility Offices along Kitgum Road, Gulu City Inn, and the Uganda Baati Gulu Office.