Nathan Martin Clinches Victory at 2026 Los Angeles Marathon in Dramatic Finish
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.
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Nathan Martin's Strategy for Victory
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.
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In a dramatic finish, Martin sprinted past Kamau just before crossing the finish line. Kamau, reaching out towards the line, stumbled and fell face-first onto the pavement after finishing. Medical personnel attended to him shortly after.
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.