Zane Robertson has become the first New Zealander to run under 60 minutes for the half marathon, as he finished second at a race in Japan.
The New Zealand runner Zane Robertson celebrates his bronze medal in the 5000m. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Robertson's time of 59 minutes, 47 seconds at the Marugame Half Marathon in Kagawa sets a new Oceania and New Zealand record.
Japan-based Kenyan Paul Kuira won from the African-based Robertson, and amazingly, both men were running their debut half marathons.
Robertson's time is two minutes 25 seconds faster than the listed national record of Rod Dixon, set in the USA in 1981, and also beats the previous Oceania record of Australian Darren Wilson at 60:02.
Robertson won the bronze medal in the 5000 metres at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.