Lal victorious in comeback race
Avikash Lal after winning the half marathon race at Pacific Harbour yesterday.
Inset: Lal was hospitalised after last year’s Suva Marathon Race.
FIJI Airways flight attendant Avikash Lal made a comeback in style at the Suva Marathon Pacific Harbour race, taking out the half marathon (21km) category.
It was an emotional win for Lal who collapsed at the same event last year. Midway through last year’s race, Lal lost consciousness and was rushed to hospital.
A year later, the Votualevu, Nadi lad was back at his best, winning the half marathon title in a time of 1 hour 23 minutes and 46 seconds.
Lal said the time wasn’t his best as conditions were not suitable but was glad to have had a good hitout.
“It was a little cold today so I took it as a training run and I’m happy to have finished the race today. Last year I ended up in hospital, couldn’t finish the race so I’m happy to have completed it with a good time,” Lal said.
The 2019 Pacific Games gold medallist said the comeback had been tough but with hard work and patience, it was manageable.
“It’s been tough over the last six or seven months. I’ve been going through a lot. Not able to train early morning. Being flying a lot so yeah. Sometimes you have to balance on your side as well.
“It was easy for me to manage that. Managing my time, going to bed early, waking up early, doing those miles week in week out. It was tough but at the end of the day I have no complaints.”
Lal will be part of the Team Fiji contingent which leaves for the Northern Mariana Islands next week to take part at the Pacific Mini Games.