How Andiema won the Gulu City Marathon

Allan Andiema finished in 2:17:16 to win the second Gulu City Marathon, successfully defending his title on Saturday.

Nearly 1,500 people took part in the 2025 marathon, which was held for the second time at Kaunda Grounds.

Andiema first gained attention in 2022 when he won the men’s main event at the first Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon. That win helped him enter more competitions and secure professional contracts.

Anthony Ayeko finished second with a time of 2:19:34. Isaac Masai was third in 2:21:53, Michael Kiprotich took fourth in 2:23:43, and Simon Kasyate placed fifth at 2:30:58.

Joy Roberts won the women’s 42 km race, finishing in 3:25:53.

Joan Chebet was second with 3:43:11. Phanice Chemutai finished in 3:47:45, Scarlet Chemos in 3:48:30, and Maurine Koech completed the top five with 3:54:46.

Peter Akwech won the men’s 21 km half-marathon in 1:03:03, and Evas Nasasira took the women’s title in 1:15:43.

Laban Kibet won the men’s 10 km race in 31:06, and Farida Donia led the women’s race in 41:22.

Genesis Androa won the men’s 5 km race in 24:14, and Petwa Abulo led the women’s race in 26:46.

Richard Ocira won the men’s wheelchair race, and Polline Acayo took the women’s title.

Winners received a range of rewards, including air tickets, cash prizes, and other gifts.

Uganda Airlines gave out three air tickets in a raffle among the top three finishers in each race. The winners were Farida Donya (10 km women’s winner), Evas Nasasira (21 km women’s champion), and Peter Akwech (men’s 21 km winner).

The top three finishers in each race received cash prizes. Full marathon winners got sh3m each, half-marathon winners received sh1.5m, and wheelchair race winners took home sh1m. All top performers also received gift hampers.

Speaking after the event, Francis Gimara, Chair of the Gulu City Marathon Steering Committee, thanked the athletes, partners, and sponsors for their strong support. He said the second edition had created good momentum for the marathon’s future. “I thank 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 better,” Gimara said.

The celebrations continued with an after-party featuring music star Azawi, while Tusker Lite provided VIP hospitality.

“Supporting marathons fits well with Tusker Lite’s identity as a low-carb beer that encourages active and responsible lifestyles. The success of the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon in Kasese set a strong foundation for us, and we want to bring that same energy to races across the country. Gulu has matched that spirit, giving us another memorable experience,” said Denise Nazzinda, Tusker Lite Brand Manager at Uganda Breweries Ltd.

Several dignitaries attended the marathon, such as Ambassador Olara Otunnu, Hon. Norbert Mao (Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs), Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany (UPDF Reserve Force Commander), and Gulu City Mayor Fred Okwonga. They all took part in the flag-offs.

Before race day, participants and visitors enjoyed Acholi culture with food exhibitions and dance performances. Uganda Baati, one of the event’s partners, also organised a medical camp. Organisers have already confirmed that the third edition of the Gulu City Marathon will take place on December 5, 2026, and preparations have commenced immediately.

The second edition was supported by many sponsors, such as Equity Bank, Uganda Airlines, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, CFAO Mobility, Suzuki, the Uganda Communications Commission, Krystal Water, the National Information Technology Authority (NITA), the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and Swangz Avenue.