HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Gulu City, the heart beat of Northern Uganda played host to the second edition of the Gulu Marathon on Saturday 6th December.
The marathon was launched on Friday, 5th December at Kampala Club, as officials and sponsors promised an even bigger and more vibrant experience than the inaugural outing.
Robert Wanok the Head of Retail at Equity Bank, reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to supporting the development of Golf in Uganda.
“Our sponsorship is strongly aligned with our mission to transform lives and livelihoods while promoting health, community engagement and cultural preservation. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue standing with the people of Northern Uganda,” he said.
He described the story of Gulu as one of resilience, depicting the heritage of mother Africa.
“We believe that when each partner picks up one piece of the work, we collectively build the bigger picture because it truly takes a community to raise a generation and to shape a future,” he noted.
After the race, select participants and visitors were treated to a Northern Ugandan buffet dinner on Saturday night, complete with performances from local musicians and authentic cultural entertainment.
The celebrations continued with performances from Swangz Avenue artists, production by Buzz Events, and an energetic after-party powered by Tusker Lite, who ensured that the patrons enjoy a fun-filled night.
Marathon convenor Francis Gimara expressed excitement over the overwhelming turn-up, saying that it was a sign that the future of Golf in the country was bright.
“Last year our target was 500 runners, but we registered 600. This year, we exceeded our target again. We are truly grateful for the growing support. This marathon would not be possible without our partners who have come on board to co-create a meaningful and impactful event that benefits both the community and their own brand objectives,” he said.
Beyond the race, the marathon continues to stand as a strong driver of education, culture, health and community, strengthening values that align closely with Equity Bank’s mission of empowering communities for sustainable transformation.
With its World Athletics certification, the Gulu Marathon is more than just a local run, it is now a globally recognized event.
The announcement of cash prizes has stirred excitement across Gulu City. Ronald Oloya, a peer mentor and addiction coach in Gulu, who works with youth struggling with addiction, shared his enthusiasm.
“Such measures are very good. They give young people meaningful activities where they can participate and earn some money. This is more than just a run. It’s going to bring the city together, foster unity, and showcase what Gulu is all about.”
The cash prizes for the winners are something that has caught the eyes of many with the first, second and third in the in the 42km categories set to walk way with Shs 3 million, Shs1.5 million, and Shs 1 million respectively.
In the 21km category, the prize money will be sh1.5 million, Shs 1 million, and Shs 500,000, while winners in the 10km category will walk away with Shs 1 million, Shs 500,000, and Shs 250,000 respectively.
The wheel chair Race which is the highlight of the marathon will also earn Shs 1 million. The marathon flag-off and finishing point were located at Kaunda Grounds.
The whole marathon was deeply rooted in cultural heritage, tourism promotion, health, education, and economic empowerment. It brought together a wide network of partners and sponsors who contributed far beyond financial support. Sponsor’s collective efforts continue to champion wellness, unity, and community development across the region.
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