Excitement is building across the country as preparations for the second edition of the Gulu City Marathon gather momentum. Scheduled for Saturday, 6th December 2025, the marathon will flag off at the historic Kaunda Grounds, running under the theme “Running for Culture and Heritage.”
Speaking during the NBS Breakfast Meeting on Wednesday, Lilian, the Marathon Coordinator, expressed enthusiasm about the overwhelming public response and the growing involvement of organisations and community groups.
“The public is excited about the Gulu City Marathon, and we are happy that this time we made a call for organisations to participate and use it as their team-building activity. We have many organisations that have signed up along with their members,” she said.
This year’s marathon features four competitive and inclusive race categories: the 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and the popular 5 km run. Lilian highlighted the family-friendly nature of the shortest route:
“The 5-kilometer is exciting because it is a category where family and friends can participate and have fun.”
In line with its commitment to inclusivity, the marathon will once again feature a wheelchair race, now officially incorporated into the event program. Last year’s successful debut of the category encouraged organizers to expand and recognise participants with dedicated awards.
“We were glad with how the wheelchair race went last year. This year, we included it in the schedule, and we already have participants. We will award them, and this shows how the Gulu City Marathon is inclusive,”Lilian said.
Beyond athletics, the marathon plays a vital role in highlighting the transformation of Gulu City—once a war-affected region and now a thriving urban center.
“Gulu City was once a war-zone area; now it is an opportunity for all of us from every part of Uganda to come together and see how the city has been rebuilt,” Lilian said.
According to Lillian, local businesses are already experiencing a boost as anticipation grows. Hotels are recording high bookings, and traders are benefiting from the influx of visitors traveling to participate in or witness the event.
“The Marathon is also contributing to improving the livelihood of the people in Gulu. The businesses in Gulu are booming, and most of the hotels are sold out because of the marathon,” she said.
Registration for the marathon is currently open at a fee of Shs 60,000, with organizers encouraging early sign-ups due to high demand.
The Gulu City Marathon continues to position itself as a premier national sporting event—celebrating culture, promoting unity, supporting local economies, and inspiring healthier lifestyles.