The Ethiopian, Tilahun Regassa got hoisted on the highest step of the podium at the 33rd Rotterdam marathon on Sunday.

Less than a year after his debut on 42 195km (editor’s note, October 2012, Chicago) Regassa, 23, won his first marathon.

He crossed alone the finish line with a time of 2h 05 min 37 sec in 1min 17 sec of the marathon record held by the Kenyan Duncan Kibet Kirong (Nrdl, 2h 04 min 27sec in 2009).

Tilahun Reggassa ahead of his compatriot Getu Feleke (2h 06min 46 sec), who finished as the runner-up as in 2012.

The Kenyan Sammy Kitwara ranks third in 2hr 07 min 22 sec.