Organisers have announced the return of the Gulu City Marathon for its second edition.
Launched in 2024, the marathon aims to raise funds for educational initiatives and create awareness about the importance of education in empowering the youth of Gulu City.
This year’s marathon will be held on December 6 in Gulu City.
Speaking during the launch at Kampala Club, the chairperson of the steering committee, Francis Gimara said 10% of proceeds from this year’s marathon will go towards Martin Aliker Youth Skilling Centre.
He noted that at least 1,000 runners from both within the country and abroad are expected to participate in this year’s edition.
“This marathon was started to demonstrate the unique culture of Gulu and how it can be shared with the whole world. The marathon also seeks to bring together people who lives in other parts of Uganda and the world to come to Gulu and have a taste of the touristic attractions available,” Gimara said.
He said the marathon also aims to build on a track record of recreational running that has taken the country by storm and demonstrated by the many running clubs.
“We are seeing that running is not only becoming something for fitness but also a way of life. Ugandans are increasingly joining these clubs to run for their health. It is also a socialization platform for this young nation. Therefore, the Gulu City Marathon helps us meet all these goals.”
According to Gimara, they have started a process that will see Gulu City Marathon certified by World Athletics Federation as one that meets the highest international standards for organization, course measurement, safety, and athlete support.
“This year as we run through the heart of Gulu, we will showcase a lot of music, local tradition and cultural treasures that define what Gulu is. We will also be celebrating the indomitable spirit that has made Gulu a beacon of hope and progress.”
“This year we are targeting more than 1,000 runners from Uganda and beyond to celebrate our shared heritage and resilience.”
Tourism enthusiast and businessman, Amos Wekesa, who is part of the steering committee for the marathon underscored the importance of such events in drawing tourists to Uganda.
“Fort Patiko which is one of the biggest garrisons of Uganda during the times of slave trade. This is yet another tourist attraction those participating in the Gulu City Marathon can view. Tourism aside, running is a health benefit for everyone and if you don’t have a healthy population, you wont have a healthy economy,” Wekesa said.
Patience Aguti, the General Manager for Swangz Avenue said the marathon is more than a race but a celebration of the rich culture of people of Gulu.
“ It is an opportunity to shine spotlight on northern Uganda, resilience, tradition and community as a whole. We know this marathon is becoming a fast landmark event in sports and cultural calendar. This promises to be bigger and better and even more impactful than last year attracting runners, tourists, culture lovers, vendors and people in and outside country,” Aguti said.
“ As Swangz Avenue we are proud to be the events production .Our mission this year is to bring Gulu Marathon with world class event .We are also intentional about amplifying spirit and energy of the region. We want to amplify their energy through a vibrant and memorable experience.”