Many athletes have to had endure convoluted journey's and to travel huge distances by road and train in order to attend the race due to the lack air transport.

The outcome could be an extreme decline in both mental and physical ability according to top expects in the field.

EIS psychologist Simon Drane said: "Most athletes are well used to travelling and already have various strategies in place to ensure they are focused and ready to compete.

"Clearly when plans are changed or disrupted and there is uncertainty about how they will travel, these strategies are tested and the way in which an athlete responds will vary greatly depending on the individual with some coping better than others.

"Some will respond well and take it all in their stride, but equally others might find it stressful and disruptive.

"Another factor is whether friends, family or supporters are affected and unable to travel with them, which could also have an unsettling effect."

Wanjiru has admitted that he is feeling tired as he prepares to defend the London Marathon title he won 12 months ago after organisers had to hire a private jet to ensure him and other top African runners arrived here in time for the race.

Wanjiru, along with his Kenyan compatriots - the world champion, Abel Kirui, and Duncan Kibet - and 21 other East African athletes, were put on a private plane at a cost of £120,000 ($184,000) to organisers, on a journey that began in Nairobi and included stops in Asmara, Djibouti, Luxor and Madrid before arriving in London.

The worst journey endured by one of the elite runners involved, ironically, Britain's Mara Yamauchi, who is from Oxford.

She spent six days travelling via road, air and train from her training base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Physically, there is not always a huge effect on the athlete but that is dependent on how athletes adapt to the break with routine according to EIS physiologist Jonathan Leeder.

He said: "The main issue with travelling long distances ahead of competition is dealing with travel fatigue.

"The more time the athletes can have between the end of their journey and the start of competition the better.

"But providing they manage their hydration, eat well and maintain a consistent sleep pattern there is nothing to suggest that their cognitive function or physical capabilities would be adversely affected.

"Perhaps the greater challenge to athletes forced to spend extra time travelling is the break in their usual routine not just before competition but during their recovery afterwards.

"If a return journey prevents any athlete from undertaking their usual recovery strategies then that could potentially have an adverse affect on their performance over the next week or so if they are required to compete again.

"Sticking as closely as possible to a normal routine will be important as well as maintaining good nutrition and regular sleep patterns."

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