India's middle distance runner and Asian Games medallist O P Jaisha will try her hand in the marathon for the first time on Sunday.
The Kerala-born athlete, who started hitting the higher ranks as a 5,000m runner and then became the 3000m steeplechase national record holder before winning a medal in the metric mile race at Incheon Asian Games, is among the elite list of Indian women runners who will be taking part in the 12th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon.
Asked what made her switch to the most gruelling long distance road race, the 31-year-old runner brushed aside the question and said she would finish among the top.
"I have participated in the 5,000 metres before but I will be running the marathon for the first time. I will go flat out and try to finish at the top," said Jaisha two days before the event.
Jaisha won the 5,000m bronze medal in the Doha Asian Games in 2006 and took the 1,500m bronze eight years later in Incheon, South Korea. Now she is attempting to make her mark in the marathon.
Meanwhile, a strong contender to finish on top among the Indians in men's category - Rashpal Singh of Sikh Regiment, said he was aiming to emerge as the best from the country this year after coming in second best in 2014.
"I hope to win this race and break the previous course record of 2:16:59 set in 2012 by Ram Singh Yadav," said Rashpal.
Another leading contender, Ratiram Saini from Rajasthan, is also keen to make a mark.
"This is my first marathon run and I will give it my best shot. I have set goals and my target is to register my name in the record books," said Saini.
