BANGKOK: Pakistan’s marathon runner, Ali Haider, displayed great mental toughness after battling with a knee injury to take part in the distinguished Bangkok Marathon, which attracted 921 other competitors from different nations.
Ali incurred the injury while preparing for his first international marathon but was undeterred by it.
Pumping with adrenaline during the first stretch, he was able to keep a speed of 7 minutes per km.
However, towards the second part of the race, where he had started lifting his legs up in line with the bottom of his chest, the pain worsened.
He was thereby reduced to running at a pace of 10 minutes per km.
Ali did encounter physical challenges; however, he displayed impressive willpower and carried on regardless of the finishing point.
He completed the difficult 42 km distance, in addition to the injuries, in six hours five minutes and three seconds, which is eight minutes and thirty-nine seconds pacing per kilometer.
During the break after the marathon, Ali disclosed that the pain nearly made him crawl as he extended his leg during the final phase.
Yet, Ali’s fighting spirit could not allow him to finish the race in position 731 out of 921 competitors.
