ZURICH MARATHON, SWITZERLAND – Viktor ROTHLIN SUI in 2:08:19 – a new Swiss national record.

Victor Rothlin\’s remarkably even-paced run (64:08/64:09) won him the race by more than a kilometre, beating the old course record by 96 seconds. Four pacemakers, and cool, clear weather conditions assisted in establishing a new Swiss national record.

After a cool (2°C) start at 8:30 am, the sun soon helped to warm up the athletes as they ran beside the lake. Beautiful spring weather gave a festive atmosphere to the day. Thousands enjoyed the sun and relaxed after the race in the lakeside finish area at Landiwiese.

Music bands entertained the masses along the route, and Nike sponsored a special entertainment point at 35km to motivate runners for the final push. Thousands of spectators cheered Röthlin on and this, along with the improved, flatter, course through downtown Zurich certainly helped in achieving the new record.

Only 214 of the 4860 starters failed to finish within the five-hour time limit. They represented 49 countries, with 565 runners from Germany and 63 from Great Britain, 58 from Austria, 37 from Italy, 36 from France and 34 from the USA.

MEN:
1 Viktor ROTHLIN SUI 2:08:19
2 Sammy KURGAT KEN 2:11:35
3 Paul L LOMOL KEN 2:13:16
4 Lenar CHUSNUTDINOW RUS 2:13:17
5 Debel T SENBETA ETH 2:13:42
6 Mygind ANDERSEN SUI 2:29:10
7 Pascal AYMON SUI 2:29:18
8 Volkmar ROLFES SUI 2:29:49
9 Kaspar GRUNIG SUI 2:31:20
10 Antonio PICCIRILLO SUI 2:32:07

WOMEN:
1 Nina PODNEBESNOVA RUS 2:37:00
2 Elena TIKHONOVA RUS 2:38:13
3 Susan JEPKORIR KEN 2:42:07
4 Corrine ZELLER SUI 2:46:46
5 Monika DAMBERUER SUI 2:48:48
6 Asrid AMSTAD SUI 3:01:26
7 Sandra WYSS SUI 3:03:12
8 Jane FADELL AUS 3:06:02
9 Jeanette DELLSPERGER SUI 3:06:32
10 Deborah BALZ SUI 3:06:47