Kampala — UGANDAN athletes are ready to retain the MTN Kampala Marathon title, but the biggest competition will be in the 10km races, where former World champion medallists Moses Kipsiro and Dorcus Inzikuru are expected to fight for titles. But it will not be that easy in the star studded line ups.

In the 10km

Kipsiro has not lost any local competition for the last four years. He is coming back after his fourth finish at the World Championships in Berlin and will be racing against Martin Toroitich, Geoffrey Kusuro and Fred Arapsudi in the men's 10km race.

Although Kipsiro has an upper hand, he should find the race competitive given the fact that his challengers have been taking part in a series of competitions, while he has been out injured.

Inzikuru on the other hand is most likely to use her starting speed to put up a big gap against defending champion Rebecca Cheptegei, and other upcoming runners Annet Negesa and Janet Achola.

Half marathon

Isaac Kiprop, has dominated the local event, but this is because Wilson Busienei has been out due to injury. But with Busienei announcing that he is fit, and with other stars including Kenya's renown long distance runner Dickson Marwa and Samuel Shauri entering the race, Kiprop, the East African half marathon champion needs an extra push and discipline for him to retain the title.

Full marathon

Uganda has always produced surprising marathon stars and this was shown last year when Francis Musani led a team of David Kimutai, Davis Kiteria and Moses Mutai taking the top four positions.

And though 2007 winner, Kenyan Kiprop Tuwei is back, the presence of the inaugural winner Joseph Nsubuga will surely give Uganda the edge.