Kenya's long-distance runner John Ekiru Kelai said the weather would play an important role in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on Sunday.

"My biggest worry is the weather because it's going to exhaust all the participants. We need to be prepared both physically and mentally," he said.

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"This being my first visit to Mumbai, I am not used to this weather and the marathon course here. But I have taken part in races in some regions of Asia and that will help me, said the 2003 winner of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.

Describing the marathon as a tough race compared to the track event, Kelai, the new Kenyan entrant at this edition of the Mumbai marathon said, "I can see big races being developed in

Kenya; the youngsters are getting chances to exhibit their talent."

In lead-up to the big event, Kelai informed about making a little bit of adjustments to his training methods.

Another contender from the Kenyan contingent, Leleito Stanley (personal best of 2:10:17 in 2005 at Zurich) too sounded confident of doing well.

"I feel a lot more confident this time around as the experience of being here earlier makes a huge difference," said Stanley, who had finished third in last year's Mumbai event.