Nathan Martin Clinches Victory at 2026 Los Angeles Marathon in Dramatic Finish

In a breathtaking finish at the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon, Nathan Martin narrowly defeated Kenya's Michael Kamau, marking the closest finish in the event's history. Martin's strategic pacing and final sprint secured his victory, while Priscah Cherono won the women's race. With over 27,000 participants, this year's marathon showcased incredible athleticism and competition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 8, 2026, 23:59 IST

Historic Finish at the Los Angeles Marathon

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon, American athlete Nathan Martin triumphed over Kenya’s Michael Kimani Kamau, securing victory in the final moments of the race on Sunday. Martin completed the grueling 26.2-mile course in a remarkable time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 16.50 seconds, narrowly edging out Kamau, who finished just a fraction behind at 2:11:16. This finish marks the closest in the marathon's history.

The marathon commenced near Dodger Stadium, winding through iconic locations before concluding in Century City.

Kamau dominated the race for the majority of the distance, maintaining a strong lead as he approached the final miles. At the 40-kilometer mark, he was ahead with a time of 2:03:40, while Martin was trailing at 2:04:36. As they neared the finish along Santa Monica Boulevard, Kamau seemed poised for victory, with Martin still several seconds behind and out of the main camera view.

However, Martin accelerated in the last mile, quickly closing the distance. With approximately 800 meters remaining, he intensified his effort and caught up to Kamau.

Reflecting on his victory, Martin noted that he spotted the lead vehicle about a mile from the finish and decided to pick up his pace. He made a final push in the last 800 meters, managing to overtake Kamau at the last possible moment. Ethiopian runner Enyew Nigat secured third place with a time of 2:14:22.22. Martin's win makes him the second American to claim the Los Angeles Marathon title in two years, following Matthew Richtman’s victory in 2025, the first American winner since 1994.

At 36 years old, Martin is a substitute teacher and serves as a track and cross-country coach at Jackson High School in Michigan. His personal best marathon time stands at 2:10:45, achieved at Grandma’s Marathon in 2023.

Women’s Race Results

In the women’s elite category, Kenyan runner Priscah Cherono emerged victorious with a time of 2:25:18.31, leading from start to finish. American Kellyn Taylor finished in second place with a time of 2:27:36. The women’s race commenced 15 minutes and 45 seconds ahead of the men’s event, with the overall winner receiving a $10,000 bonus.

Cherono previously represented Kenya in the 2008 Summer Olympics in the 5,000-meter event. The Los Angeles Marathon was only her second professional marathon after transitioning to longer distances.

In the wheelchair division, American Miguel Jimenez Vergara won the men’s race with a time of 1:42:12, while Nigeria’s Hannan Babalola claimed the women’s wheelchair title in 1:33:42, marking her third consecutive win in this event. Over 27,000 runners participated in the marathon across Los Angeles on Sunday.