UGANDA: GULU CITY TO SHOWCASE 41-KILOMETER MARATHON TO PROMOTE ACHOLI CULTURAL HERITAG

Gulu City, Uganda – Tuesday, October 12, 2024

Gulu City is set to host the inaugural 41-kilometer marathon, a unique event designed to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Acholi people while supporting education initiatives in the region. The marathon, scheduled for December 7, 2024, aims to raise funds for the Dero Kwan education project, which is spearheaded by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamoi and Ambassador Prof. Dr. Olara Otunnu. The event will bring together local and international runners, including those from the Acholi diaspora in the United States, Canada, and European countries.

The marathon will not only be a celebration of sports but also of Acholi culture. Participants will have the opportunity to sample traditional Acholi foods like Makwang, Akeyo, Lalaa, Lakili-kili, Lakoto Koto, Dek Ngor ki Moo Yaa, and Lawinyi, among others. Barbecues will also be served to guests, with local delicacies showcasing the rich flavors of the Acholi community.

Francis Gimara, Senior Counsel and Co-founder of the Gulu City Marathon, emphasized that the event is a grassroots initiative, funded by individuals and local supporters. “What we raise will go towards supporting Pongdwongo Roco Paco, the cultural revival of Acholi traditions, and ultimately contribute to the Dero Kwan education initiative,” he said. Participants who wish to join the marathon can sponsor themselves with a fee of UGX 60,000, which includes a T-shirt and a gold medal.

The marathon will kick off at 6:00 AM on December 7, 2024, with Ambassador Dr. Olara Otunnu flagging off the runners at Kaunda Ground. The 42-kilometer route will take runners from Kaunda Ground to the Custom Corner, through Layibi Roundabout, and extend to Unyama, before returning to Gulu City.

“We aim to have between 500 and 1,000 participants, with more anticipated in future years,” Gimara added. He further noted that the marathon would not only celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage but also promote tourism, with participants encouraged to visit local attractions like the Amuru Hot Springs, Aruu Falls, Awere Hill (historically linked to Joseph Kony), and Patiko Sir Samuel Baker’s Fort.

Bonita Mulelengi, Captain of the Fast and Event Runners Club, expressed her excitement for the event, highlighting that the Gulu City Marathon offers a unique experience for both seasoned marathon runners and families. “Gulu is one of the fastest-growing cities in Uganda. When we first visited in 2019, we saw the resilience and spirit of the people, and it was clear that Gulu was a city of excellence. For many of us, this marathon is not just about running; it’s a way to reconnect with our roots and celebrate the spirit of Acholi,” Mulelengi said.

She also pointed out that Gulu’s relatively flat terrain makes it an ideal location for marathon runners, with participants often completing the 42-kilometer race in significantly faster times than in cities like Kampala, which is known for its hilly landscape.

Grace Kidundu, Manager of Jacka Garden, which will serve as the venue for the marathon’s celebrations, is optimistic that the event will attract both local and international visitors. “Jacka Garden is ready to host the marathon guests, offering traditional Acholi dishes and providing space for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products. We’re excited to be part of this important cultural and social event,” Kidundu said.

In the evening before the marathon, guests will be treated to traditional dances and storytelling, including the Bwala Dance, Laraka Raka courtship dance, and a Wang OO (traditional storytelling by the fire). These performances will give attendees a deeper insight into the cultural significance of the marathon and its ties to Acholi heritage.

Christine Lutara, a representative of the Dero Kwan education initiative, explained that the marathon is part of a broader effort to address poor education outcomes in the region. “Through events like the Gulu City Marathon, we hope to raise awareness about the importance of education and create opportunities for the youth to thrive. This is about more than just a race; it’s about fostering hope and growth for the next generation,” Lutara said.

The marathon will be sponsored by Total Energies Uganda, MTN, and Syniable Supermarket, all of whom are committed to making the Gulu City Marathon one of the largest and most impactful events in Uganda in the coming years.

Francis Gimara concluded, “Our theme for the event is ‘Running is not just about running. It’s about making a difference.’ We want everyone to understand that this marathon is a social cause, one that will benefit local communities and contribute to the growth of Gulu City as a major cultural and economic hub.