Kampala — After hitting the targeted number of 10,000 participants, organisers said yesterday they would not accept further entries for the MTN Kampala marathon due November 23.

Registration had been extended by one week to Friday but the overwhelming turn-up could not allow the process go ahead.

"We are now moving to the next stage which is data clean-up and assigning each registered runner with a timing chip and a race number," Rachel Mulinde, a member of the marathon organising committee, said in a press statement yesterday.

She added; "Kit distribution will now take place from November 14 to 21 at MTN offices, Garden City." The kit for every participant includes a running vest, water bottle, cap and timing chip.

The registered participants, including about 400 elite runners, represent the highest turn-up since the marathon was incepted in 2004.

Some of Uganda's top runners expected to take part include Dorcus Inzikuru, Moses Kipsiro, Isaac Kiprop, Alex Malinga, Joseph Nsubuga, Francis Yiga, among others.

In a related development, for the second year running, MTN is rendering support towards the Hope Ward Charity Fun Run, due this Sunday at Lugogo.

The fun run is aimed at raising funds for the Hope Ward at International Hospital Kampala (IHK) that extends free medical services to patients with complicated conditions.