Gulu City Marathon targets 1000 runners

The organisers of the second edition of the Gulu City Marathon target to attract over 1000 runners to the second edition of the event slated for December 6, starting at the Kaunda Grounds in Gulu.

Organised by the Great North Run Company, the annual run is a celebration of Gulu’s culture and heritage, showcasing Gulu’s rich cultural diversity, such as local traditions, music, and art. The event highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage while fostering a sense of community. This year’s event was launched on Monday at Kampala Club, where the chairperson of the event’s steering committee, Francis Gimara, welcomed the run’s partners and those intending to join this year’s edition.

“Culture and heritage are going to be the core for this marathon. We will be paying tribute to the rich traditions, resilience, and spirit of Gulu City,” Gimara said. He was flanked by board member Amos Wekesa, Patience Aguti (General Manager of Swangz Avenue), and Andrew Ojok Olanya, MP for Omoro County.

Some of the runners from the different running clubs pose during the Gulu Marathon launch at Kampala Club. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“We will showcase a lot of music, a lot of local tradition, and cultural treasures that define what Gulu is, but we will also be celebrating the indomitable spirit that has made Gulu a beacon of hope and progress.

“The Gulu marathon is more than a race; it is a testament to our journey of renewal and a bold step towards a brighter future. We want to bring runners from across Uganda and beyond to celebrate our shared heritage and resilience,” he stated.

Ten percent of the proceeds from this year will go towards the Martin Aliker Youth Skilling Center in Omoro, a center designed to empower youth with relevant skills and opportunities to help them contribute to Gulu’s transformation as a vibrant city.

“We also have plans to make the marathon route certified by World Athletics, so we have also contracted an international timing company, FinishTime, to ensure all the runs are timed to ensure runners can qualify for other runs from the event. And so that talented Ugandans can start earning from their sweat and showcase their talent internationally,”

Gimara said the marathon was designed to demonstrate how the unique culture of Gulu can be shared with the whole world. It was also designed to bring together people who reside in other parts of Uganda, East Africa, and the whole world to come to Gulu in promotion of domestic tourism as well as building on the track record of recreational running that has taken Kampala by storm, as demonstrated by the many running clubs.

“Running is not only becoming something for fitness but a way of life. Ugandans are increasingly getting into these clubs to run for their health, to participate in international runs, and also to tour the world, but also to cut down on the cost of therapy.

“The running clubs are becoming a way of life, and they are helping people deal with mental stress. Gulu is building on that momentum started by the different running clubs from the central region to other areas. For Gulu in particular, it is the place where runners can achieve their personal bests because of the flat terrain,” Gimara elaborated.

He appreciated the running clubs for their unwavering support that made the first edition a success and for their commitment to this year’s event.

“You are the heartbeat of this marathon; inspiring participants is what you do best, and you also foster a sense of community that as well embodies the spirit of Gulu. To the athletes that will join us your participation is a powerful celebration of our shared humanity and Gulu’s enduring spirit.

“Whether you are running for a cause, a personal milestone, or to experience our heritage, your energy will inspire us all and honour the resilience of our city. Your efforts will ensure that Gulu is elevated as a global destination for unity, sport and opportunity,” Gimara stated.

Wekesa noted that Uganda is the third-best running nation in Africa but hadn’t had a qualifying race until last year when the Rwenzori Marathon route was certified, and he said he was looking forward to seeing the Gulu Marathon also certified so that more Ugandans can be spotted through the

“The idea behind these marathons is to create opportunities for the natives and the rest of the Ugandans in the money economy chain,”

Bonita Mulelengi, the event’s coordinator, said they had revised the 42km route to ensure it meets the international standards.