The year’s Gulu city marathon edition will take place on the first Saturday of 5th December at the Kaunda grounds.
The Gulu city marathon was started from a simple idea of a few friends who sat down to run for culture and heritage.
The idea of Gulu marathon came from an idea sat in one room and now celebrated & invested in plus telling stories of Gulu from being a land of conflict to recovery, said Francis Gimara also Chairman of the Gulu City Marathon.
A lot needs to be enjoyed from the marathon to great foods to culture to enjoying a great weekend, said chairman.
The marathon from 500 runners to now targeting 2500 runners that weekend with lots of fun including a mega show from Uganda super diva, Winnie Nywagi.
Last year’s marathon fetched ten million shillings towards facilitating the education facilities and that money has been dedicated to the Dr Martin Aliker community education center.
Mark Ongom also Gulu city marathon chairman said that this marathon has grown and deserves to be celebrated for giving back to the local community following two medical camps at last year’s marathon
The Rotary Club of Kampala has partnered with the Gulu City Marathon 2026, pledging support for community health, youth empowerment and regional economic development.
The partnership was announced during the marathon’s official launch at Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
The Gulu City Marathon has grown into one of Uganda’s premier sporting events, serving as a platform for HIV awareness, Acholi cultural celebration and tourism promotion while positioning Northern Uganda as an investment destination.
“This year’s Gulu City Marathon builds on a shared vision by bringing together government, the private sector, development partners, civil society, athletes and communities to champion health, inclusion and regional development”, said Rotarian Shem Nnagenda Nsubuga also Kampala Rotary Club President
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao presided over the event, praising the marathon’s role in national development before declaring registration open for the Dec. 6th race.
Rotary Club of Kampala President Shem Nnagenda Nsubuga called the partnership an opportunity to create lasting impact beyond the finish line.
He added: “For Rotary, this partnership is about transforming lives. Every kilometer run, every partnership built and every contribution made will strengthen communities, expand access to health services, empower young people and inspire hope across Northern Uganda.”
The club contributed 10 million Ugandan shillings toward the Dr. Martin Aliker Resource Centre, which will provide vocational training and learning opportunities for youth in Northern Uganda.
Rotary also will collaborate with marathon organizers to conduct community medical outreach before and during the event, offering free consultations, health screenings, HIV testing and counseling, health education and referrals for specialized care.
Nsubuga affirmed the club’s long-term commitment to the partnership, saying Rotary will support medical camps and HIV awareness campaigns while mobilizing runners, partners and volunteers.
The Rotary Club of Kampala, a member of Rotary International and Rotary District 9213, called on Rotarians, Rotaractors, corporate organizations, development partners, athletes and the public to register for the marathon and join a movement combining sport with service and community transformation.
We’re honoured to support initiatives that move communities forward, said Patricia Tusubira also CFAO Brand Manager.
Several corporate companies have pledged to support this year’s Gulu marathon and these include Uganda Baati,Uganda Communication Commission,Toyota Uganda- CFAO,ICEA Insurance,Swangz,Rwenzori Marathon & Uganda Breweries plus others we are to identify.
The 2026 Gulu City Marathon registration campaign was officially launched by Justice & Constitutional Affairs Minister, Hon Nobert Mao.
The third edition of the Gulu City Marathon will this year go beyond the finish line, with organisers introducing a two-day mega health camp aimed at improving access to medical services for thousands of residents in Gulu City and surrounding communities.
With a focus on HIV awareness and prevention, the marathon is using the power of sport to inspire healthier communities and create lasting impact across Northern Uganda.
The only thing that comes with the Gulu city marathon is about economic values & opportunities that come with it, said Amon Wekesa also brain behind the Rwenzori marathon.
We must believe in our corporate citizens & the marathon is not by mistake..it’s a catalyst for development,said Nobert Mao.
He thanked the Gulu city marathon vision bearers & said no contribution is small, he added.
