Athletics: Jake Robertson breaks Rod Dixon's 34 year old NZ record in marathon debut

Jake Robertson crosses the line in Lake Biwa. Photo / Twitter

After 34 years, Rod Dixon's New Zealand marathon record has fallen.

28-year-old Jake Robertson has shone on his marathon debut, finishing the Lake Biwa Marathon in Japan in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 26 seconds – 33 seconds faster than Dixon's record time.

Robertson, who has been one of New Zealand's standouts at shorter distances, claimed third overall in his debut at Lake Biwa, 33 seconds behind Kenyan victor Macharia Ndirangu.

Dixon's record was set at the New York marathon in 1983, where he ran a 2:08:59 to be the first - and only - Kiwi male to win in New York.

Finally, the record has changed hands, after Robertson's superb showing in his first attempt at the distance.

Hamilton-born distance runner looked strong early on in the 42.195 kilometre race, and stayed in the mix as the lead pack slowly shrunk. With 11 kilometres to go, he made a surge, setting the tempo and leaving only five runners remaining at the 35 kilometre mark.

With the finish line nearing, and a trio of runners left in front, Robertson was dropped, but he paced himself well to claim third place, and the national record.

Ndirangu - also in his marathon debut - finished 23 seconds ahead of fellow Kenyan Albert Korir, with Robertson a further ten seconds back.

Robertson is set to participate in the 10,000 metres at the Commonwealth Games in April, after being named as a late addition to the athletics team last month.