De Rozario second: Swiss with six medals wins marathon gold

Madison de Rozario had to defend her title in the Paralympics marathon, but the Australian was dethroned by Swiss marathon runner Catherine Debrunner.

De Rozario finished 4 minutes and 23 seconds behind Debrunner, who finished the Paris Games with a remarkable six medals.

Before the marathon final on Sunday, Debrunner had won gold over 400 m, 800 m, 1500 m and 5000 m as well as silver over 100 m.

The 29-year-old's dominance during the challenging 42km race further cemented her status as a superstar of women's wheelchair racing as she crossed the finish line at the Invalides in a time of one hour, 41 minutes and 50 seconds.

The Swiss medal magnet had little to contend with her marathon rivals and took the lead on Sunday on a course that began in the northeastern suburbs of Paris.

When she reached the halfway mark in front of the Stade de France, Debrunner had a lead of 2 minutes and 1 second.

By the time she returned to town and reached the 35km stage, Debrunner had extended her lead to 4 minutes and 7 seconds.

De Rozario and American Sussanah Scaroni, who finished third, could not catch her.

Debrunner raced with ease over the cobblestones of the Champs Elysees, past the Grand Palais, back over the Seine and across the finish line at the Invalides.