Even as the Kenyans are putting up a collective effort to beat the Ethiopians and Russians in their joint training sessions, the Indian lot in the men’s and women’s sections is not that confident of finishing among the top 10 in Sunday’s half marathon.

There could be several problems, but the most immediate one seems to be the lack of practice, as the Indians are coming straight from a month-long layoff.

Surender Negi, the national record holder in the 10,000m, said he would try to clock somewhere in the 64-66 minute range for the distance (21.097 kms) while Kavita Raut, who is returning from a knee injury, is not even sure of defending the title she won in the Indian section last year. “I must admit I haven’t prepared for the event but I hope to do well,” she said.

Preeti Rao is hopeful of finishing in a better position than last year when she finished behind Kavita. “I can take advantage of Kavita because she may not press me hard like she did last time,” said Preeti.

All of them will join the national camp starting in Bangalore later this month to prepare for the events ahead. “Once at the camp I will rely on my coach S Nikolai to chalk out my programme,” said Surender, who finished 37th out of 39 runners in the 10,000m in Beijing.

Defending champion Dieudonne Dissi from Rwanda also said his preparation wasn’t ideal. “But I will want to win for my country,” said the France-based runner.

... contd.