Kigali — LOCAL athletes are likely to miss this year's Kampala International Marathon, Times Sport has learnt.

It has been reported that the local athletics federation (RAF) has failed to raise enough money to field a team in the 10km event scheduled for this Sunday.

"The Ministry of Sports and Culture (Minispoc) can't raise the funds we need so we are very likely to miss out," Constantine Twajamahoro, a RAF said.

The federation has now asked those clubs capable of sending athletes to Kampala to go on and do so.

But APR athletics club coach Innocent Rwabuhihi is skeptical about his club's involvement.

"We are still looking for funds but we would definitely love to be involved," Rwabuhihi said.

Ugandan ace Moses Kipsiro will lead the country's charge for honours. Other athletes in contention include Timothy Munguti, Geoffrey Kusuro, Benjamin Kiplagat, Daniel Korir, Ben Siwa, Alex Chepro and Dickson Huru. Former world 3000m steeple chase champion Dorcus Inzikuru will lead the ladies charge.

About 18,000 participants are expected to take part.