Rothlin romps to Tokyo marathon victory

World bronze medalist Viktor Rothlin won the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday to set a new Swiss national record of two hours seven minutes and 23 seconds.

Rothlin’s superb display in the Japanese capital saw him slice a healthy amount from the time of 2hr 9min 45sec clocked by last year’s winner Daniel Njenga.

“Winning the Tokyo Marathon in the marathon crazy country of Japan is just unbelievable,” said Rothlin.

The Swiss runner, whose previous best was 2:08.20, added: “I think I am on the right track for Beijing.”

Japan’s Arata Fujiwara finished second place in 2:08.40 and was followed home by Kenya’s Julius Gitahi, who was 17 seconds slower.