DEFENDING champion Tsegaye Kebede has targeted a new world record in Sunday’s Virgin London Marathon – but a European record from Viktor Rothlin would certainly produce the most unique celebration.

While Ethiopia’s Kebede looks to lower the phenomenal time of two hours, three minutes and 59 seconds set by legendary compatriot Haile Gebrselassie, Rothlin has the European mark of 2:06.36 set by Portugal’s Antonio Pinto in 2000 in his sights. And the European champion from Switzerland has vowed to demonstrate his yodelling skills if he breaks the record to complete a remarkable comeback from a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

“My parents are a bit old-fashioned,” said Rothlin, who can also play the accordion. “For them sport is for people who have not worked hard enough in the daytime.

“I had a big fight with them but they accept my running now.

“But if I run a European record I will yodel on the finish line. If it goes the way I hope, I can think about the European record, which is just one minute better than my personal best.

“Whatever happens, to me this is like a new start.”