Kampala — ISAAC Kiprop had an impresive comeback to the international scene at the Seven Hills Race in Nijmegen, Netherlands yesterday.

Kiprop achieved a feat no Ugandan had ever managed, beating the IAAF World Athlete of the year contender Kenenisa Bekele and young brother Tariku Bekele.

At first poised as a pace setter of the 15km race, the tide changed when Kiprop kept with the lead pack on the world's fastest track.

By the last kilometre, it was not a battle of the brothers, but that of Kiprop and another Ethiopian Ayele Abshiro, who later out-sprinted him to the finish line.

"It was his first race abroad and he has showed that he has improved greatly," said his country manager Godfrey Nuwagaba after the race.

Kiprop is expected to fly back home tomorrow as he prepares for Sunday's MTN Kampala International marathon, where he is expected to compete in the half-marathon event.

Meanwhile, foreign runners are expected to start arriving tomorrow, ahead of the annual event that will start and finish at Lugogo Bypass.

Over 35 runners from Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda are expected in by Thursday. Friday is dedicated to route reccing, which according to IAAF course measurer Faustine Kiwa, is a bit challenging.

"We removed two hills but we left in those challenges to make the race an interesting one," said Kiwa.

Seven Hills Race

1 A. Abshiro (ETH) 42:16

2 I.Kiprop (UGA) 42:20

3 K.Bekele (ETH) 43:41

4 T.Bekele (ETH) 44.02