Event: 1st Gulu City Marathon

Date: Saturday, 7th December 2024

Distances: 5KM, 10KM, 21KM, 42KM

Start & Finish: Kaunda grounds, Gulu city

Entry Fee: Ug.Shs 60,000 per person

Theme: Running for Culture & Heritage

The first ever edition of the Gulu city marathon will take place on Saturday, 7th December 2024.

The well attended launch of this marathon was conducted by the local organizing committee members at Kampala Club in Kampala.

Mark Ongom, the Board Chairperson of the Gulu City Marathon addressed the media alongside Francis Gimara, the Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Gulu City Marathon, Amos Wekesa, a board member of the Gulu City Marathon, and Bonita Mulelengi, the Captain of The First and Furious Running Club.

Official launch of the Gulu City Marathon

The First and Furious Running Club initiated the Gulu runs in 2017, and as a result of the demand to make it bigger, the Gulu City Marathon was born as a response to this demand.

The Gulu City marathon will be held under the theme “Running for Culture and Heritage.”

“This event aims not only to be a sporting competition but also a celebration of Gulu’s rich cultural roots and historical significance, offering a unique and immersive experience for all participants.” Ongom remarked.

Fast and Furious members with the media officials at Kampala Club

Fast and Furious members at Kampala Club during the launch

Gulu City Marathon officials

Gulu City Marathon officials excited

According to Ongom, the charitable aspect of the event shall witness 10% of the proceeds will benefit the Dero Kwan Initiative, an organization dedicated to enhancing education in Northern Uganda.

“Participating in the marathon will offer participants with an opportunity of contributing to the revamp of education in Northern Uganda” Ongom noted.

The marathon will start and finish at Kaunda Grounds, with participants running through key landmarks in Gulu City, including the Gulu War Memorial and the Gulu City Main Market.

The marathon aims to raise funds for educational initiatives and create awareness about the importance of education in empowering the youth of Gulu City.

Seasoned runner Wekesa, also CEO of Equator Hikes (known for organizing the famous Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon) hinted about the marathon’s connection to tourism.

Wekesa highlighted that the Gulu City marathon will provide participants with the opportunity to tour the iconic Murchison Falls, renowned as one of Uganda’s most scenic and historically significant tourist attractions.

Wekesa encouraged Ugandans to participate in the marathon as a means of not only enjoying the breathtaking touristic landscapes, but also as a way of supporting the local economy.

Routes:

Gimara talked of the Marathon’s unique course which offers opportunities for participants to run on African’s most flat terrain.

The course is perfectly suited for runners aiming for personal bests in the 5KM, 10KM, 21KM and 42 KM distances.

5KM route for the Gulu City Marathon

10KM route for the Gulu City Marathon21 KM for the Gulu City Marathon

42 KM route for the Gulu City Marathon

History:

Gulu City boasts a rich cultural heritage and a resilient spirit, reflecting its journey from conflict to peace and development.

However, challenges in accessing quality education persist, especially in rural areas.

To address these challenges, the Gulu City Marathon 2024 is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of culture, unity, and a shared commitment to empowering youth through education.

Gulu City

This two-day event will begin with a cultural feast, highlighting the vibrant traditions of the Acholi people then followed by the marathon on dedicated to raising funds and awareness for educational initiatives in the region.  

The Gulu City Marathon promises to be an extraordinary blend of sport, culture, and heritage, showcasing the beauty of Northern Uganda like never before.

Interested participants pay Ug.Shs 60,0000 and can sign up online at https://gulucitymarathon.com.

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