Victor Rothlin taking the 2010 European Marathon title in Barcelona (© / Bongarts)
European Champion Viktor Röthlin is all set for the 2010 ING New York Marathon on 7 November. The Swiss marathon star had little time to prepare, but was able to complete three test races - two half marathons and a 10-mile run - successfully.
Röthlin is looking forward to running the second marathon of his 2010 season: “I am excited to be able to be in New York and to compete in one of most famous races of the world.”
His preparation for the prestigious competition in the Big Apple - his 20th marathon race - was not the usual routine: “I never had as little time to prepare for a marathon before. Usually, I invest about 14 weeks. This time around, I had to make do with seven. I am actually in the middle of a first training phase, which makes it hard for me to judge where I am at with regard to my shape.”
The course in New York, which includes the city’s Central Park, will suit Röthlin well: “A race with pacemakers and stars focusing on a fast result would not be ideal for me. But New York will be more like a championship race. This will allow me to concentrate on my strengths, my tactics. In addition, I will to gather experience for my next championship race, possibly be the marathon at the 2012 Olympic Games in London,” Röthlin explained.
The New York race will be a highlight for the 36-year-old Swiss: “There is no pressure whatsoever. I like that. I will be able to follow my own agenda. Obviously, Haile Gebrselassie is the top favourite, and he will give it his best to win this famous race.” The rest of the result list remains anyone’s guess. “The final start list will be announced next week. I will think about a goal for my position on the result list then.” Röthlin’s last race in New York was a half marathon in 2007. He came in eleventh then, and the winner of the race was - Haile Gebrselassie.
This Sunday (31 October), Röthlin will do a “depletion run” of 25 kilometres before concluding his preparation with a standard treadmill training session (including a lactate test) at the Sportzentrum Kerenzerberg in the canton of Glarus. He will fly to New York on Wednesday, 3 November 2010.
Weltklasse Zürich
