Norman Katende
19 November 2008
Kampala — UGANDA's leading female marathon runner Jane Suuto will aim to get a good time at the MTN Kampala International Marathon to qualify for several international races next year.
Suuto will have qualification for next year's World Athletics Championships high on her mind when she hits the track on Sunday morning.
The 30-year-old athlete has had mixed results in the marathon. She was twice denied the Kampala marathon title, falling second to Margaret Nakintu in the first two editions.
She finally won the event in 2006, but then opted for the half marathon event which she won easily last year.
This time around, she has her mind focused on reclaiming the main title and joining Margaret Nakintu as two-time winner of the prestigious marathon.
"I was not fit enough last year and felt that it would be better for me to take part in the half-marathon other than running the full event," Suuto said.
Suuto is still in a high altitude training camp in Iten, Kenya and returns tomorrow.
She is not taking anything for granted in her build up to the event and she has regularly taken part in all short distance races locally
Grace Muzaaki and foreign athletes Gregoire Nyabyenda and Cyriaque Ndayikengurukiye from Rwanda, Sarah Kavina (Tanzania) and Salome Kimutai and Millicent Kurui from Kenya, will be the main challengers to Suuto's hopes for a second win in the marathon.
Meanwhile over 300 security men and women will be deployed at the MTN Kampala International Marathon under a tight security detail to protect the runners and spectators.
Security partners Saracen Uganda Limited have dedicated a full squad of security personnel for Uganda's biggest athletics event.
Saracen will work hand in hand with the Uganda Police to ensure the security of all parties involved in the marathon.
There were complaints last year that some people's vehicles were vandalised.
"What happened to vehicles that were packed along Jinja road will not happen again as we have designated enough parking with enough security. Vehicles will now either park at Lugogo KCC stadium or Game Lugogo," explained marathon media official John Chihi, of Media Age.
Women full marathon
Past winners
2004 Margaret Nakintu
2005 Margaret Nakintu
2006 Jane Suuto
2007 Prisca Jeweli
Top prize: Sh5m
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