Musani to battle Kenyans in MTN race
Nov 19, 2009
THE increased entry of foreign runners particularly from Kenya, looks set to cut chances of another Ugandan victory in the MTN Kampala International marathon on Sunday. Francis Musani wants to retain the title while Joseph Nsubuga will hope to repeat his
By Norman Katende
THE increased entry of foreign runners particularly from Kenya, looks set to cut chances of another Ugandan victory in the MTN Kampala International marathon on Sunday. Francis Musani wants to retain the title while Joseph Nsubuga will hope to repeat his feat of five years ago.
Thirty foreigners have entered the 42.2km race, with bulk of the runners from neighbouring Kenya. After losing last year’s title to little Musani, the Kenyans promised that they will prove that it was a one off for the Ugandans.
To show that they are taking no chances in this year’s competition, the Kenyans have brought back 2007 winner Kiprop Tuwei Korir to prove that
they are the strongest road running nation in the region.
Korir is leading other 30 marathon runners as they fight to retain the title, which they have held for three of the last five editions.
“Most of the Kenyans are experienced but the Ugandan runners have also not been sleeping,†Uganda Athletics Federation administrative officer Timothy Munguti said.
“We expect them to put up a good run and also improve their individual times.â€
Nsubuga and Musani tested their speed during the inter-forces games where they competed in the shorter distances. Munguti said that having a host of Kenyan and Tanzania runners, who have dominated the international road running championships, will be a great boost to Ugandans.
The marathon will be used by the participants as a build up to other international events including the World Championships due next year. Rwanda has entered six runners while Tanzania has three.
THE increased entry of foreign runners particularly from Kenya, looks set to cut chances of another Ugandan victory in the MTN Kampala International marathon on Sunday. Francis Musani wants to retain the title while Joseph Nsubuga will hope to repeat his feat of five years ago.
Thirty foreigners have entered the 42.2km race, with bulk of the runners from neighbouring Kenya. After losing last year’s title to little Musani, the Kenyans promised that they will prove that it was a one off for the Ugandans.
To show that they are taking no chances in this year’s competition, the Kenyans have brought back 2007 winner Kiprop Tuwei Korir to prove that
they are the strongest road running nation in the region.
Korir is leading other 30 marathon runners as they fight to retain the title, which they have held for three of the last five editions.
“Most of the Kenyans are experienced but the Ugandan runners have also not been sleeping,†Uganda Athletics Federation administrative officer Timothy Munguti said.
“We expect them to put up a good run and also improve their individual times.â€
Nsubuga and Musani tested their speed during the inter-forces games where they competed in the shorter distances. Munguti said that having a host of Kenyan and Tanzania runners, who have dominated the international road running championships, will be a great boost to Ugandans.
The marathon will be used by the participants as a build up to other international events including the World Championships due next year. Rwanda has entered six runners while Tanzania has three.