Kampala — ISAIAH Kosgei and Priscah Jameli of Kenya will not defend their men and women's titles in the MTN Kampala International marathon.

Two-time men's champion Kosgei and women's champion Jameli were not the list sent by Athletics Kenya to take part in the fifth edition of the event due November 23. Foreign entrants only enter the marathon through their federations, and it is not known why the pair did not seek another go.

This has left Joseph Nsubuga, winner of the inaugural edition in 2004 and last year's runner up, as clear favourite for the men's cherished prize.

Thirty-five athletes from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania are part of the foreign legion that will compete for the sh39m in prize money which is up for grabs in the annual event. Over 10,000 runners will take part.

The foreign athletes registered for the event include Fred Twahirwa, Eric Mazimpala, Gregoire Nyabyenda, Crriaque Ndayikengurukiye, Sylvain Rukundo and Epiphane Nyiyabarame from Rwanda.