Allan Andiema used 2:17:16 to cross the finish line and win the 2025 edition of the Gulu City Marathon Saturday morning.
Andiema, who runs for Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) athletics club, is now a household name in the athletics community, having shot to the scene in the inaugural Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon in 2022.
He has since gone on to take big strides in his career and was winning the Gulu City Marathon for the second time in a row.
‘This is a sweet victory. Gulu is good to me. This is the best marathon with a flat terrain in Uganda and easy to run’ Andiema said after the victory.
‘To defend a championship is a great thing and being the end of the year, what a way to sign out 2025!’
With the victory, Andiema walked away with Shs3m in prize money .
Anthony Ayeko clocked 2:19:34 to finish second while Isaac Masai came third with 2:21:53.
In the women’s category, it was Joy Roberts who came home after 3:25:53 to beat Joan Chebet (3:43:11) to the gold.
Phanice Chemutai posted 3:47:45 to complete the podium.
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 wheelchair races, Richard Ocira won the men’s category while Polline Acayo took the women’s title.
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.
Over 1,500 participants turned up for the event at the Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City.
The running was followed by festivities, with music star Azawi as the headline act of the after-party organized by event sponsor Tusker Lite.
‘Supporting marathons aligns naturally with Tusker Lite’s identity as a low-carb beer that promotes active and responsible lifestyles,’ noted Tusker Lite Brand Manager at Uganda Breweries Ltd, Denise Nazzinda.
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.
The marathon attracted several dignitaries, including Ambassador Olara Otunnu, who flagged off the 42km race.
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 attended and participated in flag-offs.
With the second edition of the event out of the way, organizers have already confirmed that the third edition will take place on December 5, 2026, and preparations have commenced immediately.
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 are some of the partners who supported the success of the event.
Gulu City Marathon
Winners – 42km
Men
Allan Andiema: 2:17:16
Anthony Ayeko: 2:19:34
Isaac Masai: 2:21:53
Women
Joy Robert’s: 3:25:53
Joan Chebet: 3:43:11
Planice Chemitai: 3:47:45