By KT Reporter
The organizers of the Gulu City Marathon, led by Francis Gimara, have officially unveiled the second edition of the event, scheduled for Saturday, 6 December 2025. The announcement was made during a press launch held at City Hotel on Sunday.
Promising a bigger, better, and internationally aligned marathon, organizers say this year’s event will attract over 1,000 participants, doubling the turnout from the inaugural edition. Speaking during the launch, lead organizer Francis Gimara highlighted the growing significance of physical fitness among Ugandans, positioning the marathon as a tool to promote healthy lifestyles.
“Fitness is no longer an exception, but a necessity,” Gimara emphasized. He explained that launching the marathon months in advance is aimed at encouraging Gulu residents to start training early—not just to complete the race but to adopt a long-term wellness mindset. Beyond health, the Gulu City Marathon also aims to become a platform for talent discovery, athlete placement, and reigniting local ambition.
Gimara also underlined Gulu’s unique cultural identity, describing it as the heart of Acholi land, rich with tourism potential. “We have over 250 unique Acholi dishes, beautiful touristic sites, and a rich cultural heritage to showcase. This marathon is an invitation to the world to come and experience it all,” he added.
Having personally participated in marathons across London, Berlin, New York, and Nairobi, Gimara spoke to the economic potential of such events: “Each international runner spends at least 100 US dollars. This is a huge boost to the local economy, from hotel owners and food vendors to tax revenue for city development.”
In a bid to meet global standards, organizers are working to secure World Athletics certification for the Gulu City Marathon. The certification process is being led by Gavin Wright, one of only three A-grade route measurers in Africa. Wright, based in Cape Town, South Africa, spent two days in Gulu measuring the 42 km (full marathon), 21 km (half marathon), 10 km, and 5 km routes. Certification is a crucial step for making athlete times official and enabling qualification for global competitions.
“With this certification, Gulu joins a select list of global cities where athletes can chase credible results and potentially qualify for events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games,” Wright explained.
Once certified, Gulu will become only the second city in Uganda—after Kasese’s Rwenzori Marathon—to host an internationally recognized marathon. This opens the door for Gulu to eventually attain World Athletics label race status. Gulu City Mayor Alfred Okwonga pledged full support for the annual event, describing it as more than just a sporting activity.
He said the marathon promotes Acholi identity, wellness, youth empowerment, regional cooperation, and social inclusion. As part of the event’s community impact, organizers donated UGX 10 million to Dero Kwan, an educational initiative that supports brilliant but underprivileged students in the Acholi sub-region. The funds are part of the UGX 30 million raised from the first marathon held in December 2024.
Prof. Sam Kinyera Obwoya, Executive Director of the Roco Paco Education Initiative, welcomed the contribution: “This partnership symbolises what we can achieve when we unite, not as separate institutions or causes, but as a community bound by shared commitment to uplifting our people,” Prof. Obwoya said.
Proceeds from the 2025 marathon, held under the theme “Running for Culture and Heritage,” will go towards youth skilling at the Martin Aliker Foundation. The race will begin and end at Kaunda Grounds, passing through Gulu University, Kitgum Road, Unyama, and Gulu Main Market in Layibi, with categories of 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
