FRANTIC efforts to head over to Suva from the West for the Suva Marathon paid off immensely for Avikash Lal, the winner of the marathon’s 10.55km race, sponsored by Rexona.
Lal, who has also been a national representative in long-distance athletics events, was elated at the victory.
“First of all, I’d like to thank the Almighty God for giving me the strength,” Lal said after the race.
Lal, who is also a flight attendant with national airline Fiji Airways said the preparation for the race and working at the same time was tiring.
“I know it has been a tiring week for me, full-time working and training on the side as well. It feels good to be back.”
Lal is no stranger to the Suva Marathon, having participated in the race over the years and has finished it with a commanding lead.
Yesterday’s marathon saw him start the race along Queen Elizabeth Drive with a set pace that others had to keep up to.
He is also the son of former Fiji and South Pacific long-distance champion Parshotam Lal.
Meanwhile, in the Rexona 10km race, runners began the event in front of the Suva Bowling Club on Grahame Street with the finish line at the Albert Park pavilion.
The route for the race consisted of a 4.5km run along Queen Elizabeth Drive and turned around for the return where they turned into Cakobau Road.
Afterwards, they would make a complete loop of Albert Park before finishing at the pavilion.
