LA Marathon 2026: Nathan Martin Wins Closest Finish in Race History, Cherono Stuns at 45
The 41st ASICS Los Angeles Marathon delivered one of the most breathtaking finishes in the event's history on Sunday, March 8. More than 27,000 runners took to the iconic Stadium to the Stars course, and the elite races produced Hollywood-worthy drama from start to finish in Century City.
LA Marathon 2026 Men's Race: Nathan Martin's Miraculous Comeback
American Nathan Martin chased down Kenyan Michael Kimani Kamau in the final steps to win the men's race 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 came from well back to catch Kamau just before the finish line, surging past as the Kenyan extended his arms in a desperate attempt to hold off the 36-year-old from Michigan. It was the marathon's closest-ever finish.
"Just after I crossed, I was like, 'Ooh, it was super close. Maybe I got it, I think I did,'" Martin said. He added that spotting Kamau and the lead pace car gave him belief that he still had a shot and he pushed through to pull it off.
Martin joins 2025 winner Matthew Richtman as the only American men ever to win the LA Marathon, making it back-to-back American victories in the men's elite field.
LA Marathon 2026 Men's Full Results
The top men's finishers at the 2026 LA Marathon were: Nathan Martin — 2:11:18, Michael Kimani Kamau — 2:11:18, Enyew Nigat — 2:14:23, Josh Izewski — 2:14:43, and Dominic Ngeno — 2:16:17.
45-Year-Old Priscah Cherono Dominates LA Marathon 2026 Women's Race
Priscah Cherono, a 45-year-old mother of three from Kenya, led from Mile 1 to Mile 26 and posted an unofficial time of 2:25:18 to claim 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.
Cherono represented Kenya in the 5,000 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics before pivoting to road racing. She claimed the coveted $10,000 Marathon Chase bonus, awarded to the first overall finisher accounting for the head start given to elite women.
LA Marathon 2026 Women's Full Results
The top women's finishers were: Priscah Cherono — 2:25:20, Kellyn Taylor — 2:27:37, Antonina Kwambai — 2:28:50, Alem Nigus Tsadik — 2:28:53, and Almaz Kebebe — 2:29:32.
Wheelchair Division and Heat Measures at the 2026 LA Marathon
For the wheelchair division, American Miguel Jimenez Vergara, a Chula Vista native, won on the men's side with a time of 1:42:12. Nigerian athlete Hannah Babalola won the women's wheelchair race in 1:33:42, claiming the title for the third time after previous victories in 2023 and 2024.
Due to the heat, runners were eligible to receive medals if they completed at least 18 miles of the marathon. The race took place along the scenic 26.2-mile route starting at Dodger Stadium, passing through Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Boulevard, Olvera Street, and finishing on Santa Monica Boulevard.
The 2026 LA Marathon delivered elite racing, record-breaking drama, and a women's champion who rewrote what is possible at 45. It stands as one of the most memorable editions in the race's four-decade history.
