The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
26 November 2011
Kampala — The cash prizes have been increased and foreign interest in the MTN Kampala marathon seems to be on the rise as well.
Forty Kenyans, seven Rwandans, five Ethiopians and two Tanzanians are in the country to fight for a share of the Shs113m prize money at today’s event which starts 7am at Kaololo Airstrip.
Kenyan men have dominated the previous editions, winning five of the seven 42km full marathon titles.
Notable among the entries from Kenya is 2007 champion Kiprop Tuwei, Eliphas Maiyo, John Kimaiyo, Kibet Kipkosgei, John Kiplimo and Cleophas Kiprop, among others.
In total, 31 Kenyan men have entered the men’s 42km to fight for the Shs16m winner’s cash prize.
The second in the full marathon is to pocket Shs8m and the third Shs4m.
Tuwei was fourth last year but promised to return and reclaim his title which he won in commanding fashion four years ago.
“I love running in Uganda. The weather is always favourable and I hope to win again and again,” Tuwei said after his fourth-place finish last year.
Although Ugandan women have often taken top position in the 42km category, their male counterparts have only risen to the occasion once amid international competition with Francis Musaani claiming gold in 2008.
Joseph Nsubuga won the inaugural edition in 2004 before the showpiece was opened to foreign competitors.
In 2005, Ugandan spectators were left stunned after Kenya took the top five positions with Francis Yiga the best local competitor in sixth place.
For the tables to turn, Nsubuga, who has been in camp for close to three months preparing for the event, must put up a top class performance.
Nsubuga will have former national marathon record holder Alex Malinga, Musaani and Michael Mutai, in company. National record holder Jane Suuto is leading Uganda’s charge in the women’s 42km category where she will contend with Kenyans Anne Nyambura, Jane Nyambura and Purity Kimetto, among others.
Suuto has been nursing a disappointment after she missed the World Championships in Korea two months ago despite hitting the qualification mark. Kenya has fielded 12 competitors in the women’s full marathon.
In the half marathon (21km), Kenya has 16 men and four female runners.
Former world champion Dorcus Inzikuru has vowed to defend her 21km title.
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Original post:
Tanzania: Dar Runners Gunning for Kampala Marathon Title