Last year, competitors in the MTN Kampala marathon 10km subsidiary race got lost along the way and ended up running a shorter distance. To avoid a repeat of last year's scenario, organisers have devised several means to hold a mishap-free event. One of the measures is staging one of the subsidiary races today - a week to the main event. The 10km wheelchair race gets underway this morning, starting and ending at Kololo Airstrip.

Organisers have in the past complained that some wheelchair competitors get assistance along the route, giving them an unfair advantage over their counterparts. To help the Police manage the competition routes better next week, mock races over 21km and 42km will also be held today.

Over 300 runners have registered for the IHK Hope Ward 10km race which will also be held this morning. The runners will use the 10km route for next Sunday's race. 180 runners competed in the race last year, raising Shs3m for the underprivileged.

This year's marathon proper has attracted a record 19,000 entries. Leading elite runners like Moses Kipsiro, Martin Toroitich, Moses Kibet, Geoffrey Kusuro, Simon Ayeko and Moses Aliwa have confirmed participation in the event. Former World University Games triple gold medallist Wilson Kipkemei, who has been sidelined for long spells with injury is expected to make a comeback. He will compete in the half marathon (21km). Dorcus Inzikuru, the first Ugandan female to win a world championship gold will also run.