Kampala — LEADING Ugandan runners Isaac Kiprop and Adero Nyakisi are favourites to win the half-marathon race at the MTN Kampala International Marathon on Sunday.

The pair is unmatched on the local road running scene where they have swept all honours including the recent national half-marathon and Kampala Road run.

Kiprop won the 10km event in the 2006 marathon edition and was second behind Kipsiro last year, while Nyakisi won the 10km race last year.

Kiprop, who got a psychological boost after beating Ethiopians Kenenisa Bekele and his brother Tariku Bekele last Sunday in the Netherlands, will be out to prove himself as the leading road runner.

With last year's champion Martin Toroitich out of the race, for the Mountain running meet in Abuja, Nigeria, Kiprop will have Wilson Busienei and Simon Ayeko as local challengers, while Tanzanian Martin Sule will also fight to become the first foreigner to take the title.

Nyakisi, who had a training stint in France early this year, has Dorcus Chesang as her immediate challenger in the race, where some Kenyans have been invited to spice up the competition.

Jane Suuto, who won the maiden event last year has upgraded to the full marathon, the main event of the day.

KAMPALA half-marathon

Flag off time 7.15am

2007 winners

Men: M. Toroitich (UGA)

Women: J. Suuto (UGA)

Top prize money sh3m