The Los Angeles Marathon saw its closest finish in its 41-year history on Sunday morning.
Michael Kamau, of Kenya, led the final stretch on Santa Monica Boulevard, but Nathan Martin kicked into high gear and hawked down Kamau, passing him just steps in front of the finish line as Kamau stretched out his arms and collapsed in a last-ditch effort to finish in first.
The American’s unofficial time recorded at 2:11:18, with Kamau 0.18 seconds behind.
He is the second American male to win the LA Marathon, after Matt Richtman a year ago.
The first person to cross the finish line on Sunday was actually Priscah Cherono of Kenya, who led the women’s elite division – which started 15 minutes before the elite men’s division – from Mile 1 through Mile 26 and finished with an unofficial time of 2:25:18.31.
As the first overall finisher, Cherono won a $10,000 bonus.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 LA marathon, from the podium results to the route.
2026 Los Angeles Marathon results
All times via 2026 ASICS LA Marathon website.
Men’s pro podium
Nathan Martin, USA, 2:11:18
Michael Kamau, Kenya, 2:11:18 (+00:00.18)
Enyew Nigat, Ethiopia, 2:14:23 (+03:05.46)
Women’s pro podium
Priscah Cherono, Kenya, 2:25:20
Kellyn Taylor, USA, 2:27:37 (+02:17.10)
Antonina Kwambai, Kenya, 2:28:50 (+03:29.54)
Men’s wheelchair podium
Miguel Jimenez Vergara, USA, 1:42:12
Luis Franco Sanclemente, Colombia, 1:45:32 (+03:19.73)
Joshua Cassidy, Canada, 1:45:54 (+03:41.98)
Women’s pro wheelchair podium
Hannah Babalola, Nigeria, 2:17:52
Lucía Montenegro, Argentina, 2:20:05 (+02:13.05)
Yeni Aide Hernandez Mendieta, Mexico, 2:27:25 (+09:32.94)
LA Marathon route
The race took place along a scenic 26.2-mile stretch through Los Angeles, starting at Dodger Stadium and passing through notable landmarks in the area such as Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Boulevard, Olvera Street and more before finishing on Santa Monica Boulevard.
Due to the heat, runners are eligible to receive medals if they complete at least 18 miles of the marathon.
