LA Marathon 2026 Results: Nathan Martin Wins in Photo Finish, 45-Year-Old Priscah Cherono Claims Women's Crown
The 41st ASICS Los Angeles Marathon delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in race history today on March 8. American Nathan Martin chased down Kenyan Michael Kamau in the final steps to win the men's race by less than one second, while 45-year-old Priscah Cherono dominated wire to wire in the women's division. More than 27,000 runners took on the iconic "Stadium to the Stars" route from Dodger Stadium to Century City.
LA Marathon 2026 Results — Men's Race: Nathan Martin Wins in Photo Finish
American Nathan Martin pulled off a miraculous comeback in the men's pro division, chasing down Kenyan Michael Kimani Kamau just before the finish line to win in a split-second finish. Martin edged Kamau by less than one second. Kamau collapsed at the finish line and was treated by medical professionals. Martin finished in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 16 seconds.
Martin becomes the second consecutive American male winner of the LA Marathon, following Matthew Richtman, who became the first American to win the men's race since 1994 when he won last year.
Women's Race: Priscah Cherono, 45-Year-Old Mother of Three, Dominates
Priscah Cherono, a 45-year-old mother of three from Kenya, crossed the finish line first among the elite women and claimed the coveted Marathon Chase title as well — moments before the dramatic photo finish unfolded among the men.
Cherono led from Mile 1 to Mile 26 and posted an unofficial time of 2:25:18 to claim a master-class victory in the women's pro division.
It was just the second professional marathon Cherono has ever run, after shifting to long-distance running at age 45 — making her win one of the most stunning performances in recent LA Marathon history.
LA Marathon 2026 Route: Stadium to the Stars
The 41st Los Angeles Marathon followed its current "Stadium to the Stars" course, which starts at Dodger Stadium and finishes in Century City. The 26.2-mile route winds through Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Echo Park, Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theater, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Wilshire Boulevard before heading west to Brentwood and looping back to the finish on Santa Monica Boulevard at Avenue of the Stars in Century City.
Along the way, the LA Marathon route passes through Little Tokyo, the Capitol Records Tower, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills City Hall, and the luxury shops of Rodeo Drive.
Race Day Conditions and Field Size
The temperature at the 7 a.m. start from Dodger Stadium was 59 degrees and sunny. By 8 a.m. temperatures had climbed to 65 degrees, with forecasts calling for highs near 80 degrees by midday.
More than 27,000 runners registered for the 41st LA Marathon, including first-timers, legacy runners, LAUSD students, and elite competitors from across the globe.
The course included 126 official cheer zones featuring DJs, mariachi bands, drummers, and cheerleading squads across the full 26.2-mile route.
How to Watch and Track LA Marathon 2026
NBC4 and Telemundo 52 are the new broadcasting partners of the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon through at least 2029, with live coverage available on NBCLA's website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.
The official 2026 LA Marathon app on Apple and Android devices offers real-time runner tracking, refreshing every few seconds as participants progress through the course, with finish-line time estimates pushed directly to spectators' phones.
Road closures on major stretches including Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard, and Santa Monica Boulevard are expected to remain in effect through 6 p.m. PT Sunday. Freeway ramps at the 101, 110, and 405 are scheduled to clear by 3 p.m. PT.
