Kenya's long-distance runner John Ekiru Kelai said the weather would play an important role in the Standard Chartered Mumbai [ Images ] 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.