Mumbai Marathon's Kodak moment

The Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL) is all set to become the, Kodak moment of the Mumbai marathon 2010 to be run on Sunday, January 17. The bridge which has been included in the new marathon route is approximately 5.6 km long and has a, "forgiving gradient."

According to race director Hugh Jones, BWSL certainly adds a new dimension to the race which is in its seventh year. "I expect the new route to have a minuscule effect on timings," says Jones who explained a few route nuances at a pre-marathon press conference near Azad Maidan yesterday.

Jones also said: "The Sea Link was always been on our agenda because it is such a powerful symbol of the city. With the marathon too symbolising the spirit of Mumbai, it was natural we embrace it."

Jones says that though the Sea Link would definitely add to the aesthetic value of the race, "Topographically, the course is not too different from the ones we have had earlier."

Experts say it is not the course but the weather that is the main factor determining race timings. "The Delhi half marathon which takes place prior to the Mumbai event has a very fast timing because the weather is much cooler. So, we are once again, at the mercy of the weather gods, here."