Around 1,500 participants turned up for the 2025 Gulu City Marathon, which marked its second staging on Saturday, December 6, at Kaunda Grounds.
The 42-kilometre men’s race produced a familiar champion as Allan Andiema, last year’s winner, retained his title with an impressive time of 2:17:16.
Andiema first broke onto the running scene after winning the men’s main event at the inaugural Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon in 2022, a victory that set him on a steady path to more competitions and professional contracts.
Behind Andiema was Anthony Ayeko with a time of 2:19:34, followed by Isaac Masai who clocked 2:21:53, while Michael Kiprotich finished fourth in 2:23:43 and Simon Kasyate came in fifth at 2:30:58.
In the women’s 42 km race, Joy Roberts emerged champion with a finishing time of 3:25:53.
Joan Chebet finished second with 3:43:11, Phanice Chemutai posted 3:47:45, Scarlet Chemos with 3:48:30, while Maurine Koech crossed the line in 3:54:46 to cap the top five.
In the 21 km Half Marathon, Peter Akwech won the men’s race in 01:03:03, while Evas Nasasira claimed the women’s title in 01:15:43.
In the 10 km races, Laban Kibet won the men’s event in 00:31:06, and Farida Donia topped the women’s event in 00:41:22.
In the 5 km races, Genesis Androa won the men’s category in 00:24:14, while Petwa Abulo led the women’s category in 00:26:46.
In the wheelchair races, Richard Ocira won the men’s category and Polline Acayo took the women’s title.
The event was marked by an abundance of rewards, ranging from air tickets and cash prizes to assorted material gifts.
Three air tickets courtesy of Uganda Airlines were handed out after a raffle draw involving the top three performers in each race. Beneficiaries included Farida Donya, the 10 km women’s winner, Evas Nasasira, the 21 km women’s champion, and Peter Akwech, who topped the men’s 21 km race.
Cash prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in every race category, with the men’s and women’s full marathon winners each taking home Ugandan Shillings 3,000,000. The half marathon winners received Ugandan Shillings 1,500,000, while wheelchair race winners each walked away with Ugandan Shillings 1,000,000. All top performers were also presented with gift hampers.
Speaking after the event, Francis Gimara, Chair of the Gulu City Marathon Steering Committee, praised the athletes, partners, and sponsors for their overwhelming support, noting that the second edition had built strong momentum for the marathon’s future.
“I want to thank all the participants, sponsors, and key partners for the positive response towards having a successful Gulu City Marathon for the second-year running. 2026 will be bigger and even much better,” Gimara said.
The celebrations continued with post-event festivities headlined by music star Azawi, as Tusker Lite delivered an elevated after-party experience complete with VIP hospitality.
“Supporting marathons aligns naturally with Tusker Lite’s identity as a low-carb beer that promotes active and responsible lifestyles. The success of the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon in Kasese has set a strong foundation for us, and we are committed to carrying that same energy to race events across the country. Gulu has lived up to that spirit, giving us yet another truly memorable experience,” noted Tusker Lite Brand Manager at Uganda Breweries Ltd, Denise Nazzinda.
The marathon was attended by several dignitaries, including Ambassador Olara Otunnu, Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, UPDF Reserve Force Commander, and His Worship Fred Okwonga, Gulu City Mayor, all of whom participated in flag-offs.
Before race day, participants and visitors enjoyed a rich display of Acholi culture through culinary exhibitions and dance performances, alongside a medical camp facilitated by Uganda Baati, one of the event’s partners.
Organizers have already confirmed that the third edition of the Gulu City Marathon will take place on December 5, 2026, and preparations have commenced immediately.
The second edition was supported by a strong team of other sponsors including Equity Bank, Uganda Airlines, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, CFAO Mobility, Suzuki, the Uganda Communications Commission, Krystal Water, the National Information Technology Authority (NITA), the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and Swangz Avenue.
