The Half8211;Marathon the full preview

Among men, bet on the Kenyans, who8217;ve arrived with 2002 winner Paul Kosgei and John Cheruiyot Korir. Or team title-holders Tanzania.

HOMEBOYS

Mukesh Yadav 19 is best-placed of Indian contenders among men, Pushpa Devi among women; irrespective of their positions in the race, the two top Indian finishers will get prize money

VITAL STATS

174 Athletes in the fray 107 men, 67 women
64 Countries taking part
21.0974 The race distance, in km
10 The length, in km, of safety tape used to cordon off the route
30,000 The individual winner8217;s prize money in either category
15,000 The team winners8217; prize money
3 Helicopters covering the race
22 Years since Delhi last hosted major international event
60-70 Lakh rupees spent on dope/EPO testing

SPINOFF BENEFITS

Short-term: Relaid roads for the course of the race
Long-term: If this goes without too many hitches, Delhi may get other events before 2010