Swangz Avenue, one of Uganda’s leading entertainment and event production powerhouses, has officially joined the Gulu City Marathon 2025 as the exclusive entertainment and experience partner.
The launch of the second edition of the Gulu City Marathon took place on Monday at the Kampala Club, where organisers, partners, and running enthusiasts came together to unveil what promises to be Uganda’s most vibrant cultural running experience of the year.
The Gulu City Marathon will take place on December 6th, 2025, under the theme “Running for Culture and Heritage”. The races will range from 5 km, 10 km, 21 km and 42 km.
A Run Through Heritage
The marathon route will thread through some of Gulu’s most iconic landmarks, offering runners and spectators a taste of Northern Uganda’s proud traditions, from its food to music, dance, and warm hospitality.
Patience Aguti, General Manager at Swangz Avenue and a passionate backer of the marathon, spoke about the deeper purpose of the event.
“It’s not just a run — it’s an amplification of the Gulu spirit,” she said. “We’re creating a vibrant, seamless, and memorable experience that connects people to the resilience and energy of this community.”
Swangz Avenue brings years of experience in creating large-scale, people-centred events such as Roast and Rhyme, Bell Jamz, and Vibes At The Island. Their involvement in the Gulu City Marathon is a strategic move to infuse the northern region’s biggest sporting event with an unmatched entertainment experience.
Running as a Way of Life
Francis Gimara, chair of the Gulu City Marathon Steering Committee, emphasised the growing running culture across Uganda. “Running is no longer just a fitness thing — it’s a lifestyle, a community, and a networking platform,” he said, adding, “From legal advice to business ideas, you never know what you’ll pick up mid-stride in a running club!”
He also revealed that this year’s marathon course has been carefully designed to be runner-friendly and internationally competitive, catering to both beginners and elite runners. “If you want to run your fastest 10K or aim for a personal best in a marathon, Gulu is your stage,” Gimara declared.
Star Power & Purpose
Adding muscle to the launch was Ugandan tourism entrepreneur Amos Wekesa, who hailed the event as a national gem. He spoke glowingly of Gulu’s transformation from a region once known for conflict to one now symbolising resilience, culture, and opportunity.
He called on Ugandans to embrace Gulu as a tourism and sports destination, encouraging both local and international visitors to experience its beauty. “Let’s make Gulu not just a place to run, but a place where we inspire health, drive tourism, and build a new national narrative — one step at a time.”
Wekesa passionately advocated for fitness and health, saying: “If you don’t have health, you don’t have anything.” He shared that he runs and underscored how regular exercise, like marathon training, is crucial not just for physical well-being but also for mental clarity and productivity.
Bonita Mulelengi, affectionately known as “The 100km Queen” and the marathon coordinator, announced that the 42km marathon route has been redesigned based on feedback from last year’s participants. The aim is to make it faster, more professional, and up to international standards, allowing runners to achieve Personal Bests (PBs).
“Last year was amazing — but this year, we’ve redesigned the 42km to meet international standards. It’s fast, scenic, and unforgettable,” she said.
She issued a spirited challenge to runners, clubs, and communities to show up, participate, and rally their teams. “If you’re part of a running club and don’t participate or send someone to represent, then you don’t really have a running heart.”
Running for a Cause
Beyond medals and music, the Gulu City Marathon is a run with purpose. 10% of all proceeds will go toward establishing a Youth Skilling Centre in Omoro district, providing training and hope for underprivileged youth.
“We’re building not just a race, but a movement,” said Andrew Ojok Oulanyah, MP for Omoro County. “Every step run in Gulu is a step toward changing lives.”
The organisers are pulling out all the stops to internationally certify the marathon, working with global timing company FinishTime to ensure results are recognised worldwide. With aspirations to become Uganda’s second internationally accredited marathon after Rwenzori, the event is well on its way to attracting elite runners from across Africa and beyond.
The Gulu City Marathon will conclude with a vibrant post-race After Party at Kaunda Grounds, curated and powered by Swangz Avenue. The After Party will ignite right after the medal ceremony at Kaunda Grounds, turning the venue into a high-energy celebration of music, dance, and culture under the stars. “We’re blending tradition with party vibes — expect a night where northern heritage meets top-tier entertainment.”
Returning sponsors from last year — including MTN, TotalEnergies, City Tyres Foundation, and Swangz Avenue — are back in stride. With a proven track record of creating some of Uganda’s most iconic music events and festivals, Swangz Avenue is set to transform the marathon after-party into an electric celebration of music, culture, and community.
