American marathoner Nathan Martin produced a stunning late surge to win one of the closest finishes in the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon’s history.
The 36-year-old substitute teacher and high school track and cross-country coach from Jackson, Michigan, crossed the finish line in 2:11:18, edging Kenya’s Michael Kimani Kamau by the slimmest of margins after an electrifying sprint to the tape.
Kamau had controlled much of the closing miles and appeared poised for victory as the leaders entered the final stretch in Century City. But Martin unleashed a powerful kick in the final meters, drawing level before both runners launched into a full sprint. Martin leaned at the tape to secure the win, separated by less than one-hundredth of a second after 26.2 miles of racing.
Ethiopia’s Enyew Nigat finished third in 2:14:23.
Martin’s triumph carried historic significance. According to Tony Reed, founder of the National Black Marathoners Association, he becomes the first U.S.-born Black runner to win a major big-city marathon since the legendary Ted Corbitt accomplished the feat several times during the 1950s and 1960s.
Cherono dominates women’s race
The women’s race was equally compelling, with Kenya’s Priscah Cherono delivering a commanding performance to win in 2:25:20.
The 45-year-old mother of three ran with poise throughout the race before gradually pulling away from the lead pack in the second half. She maintained a strong and steady pace to the finish, comfortably ahead of American Kellyn Taylor, who finished second in 2:27:36.
Taylor, a 39-year-old mother of four from Flagstaff, Arizona, showed remarkable resilience, finishing strongly just four weeks after winning the Austin Marathon.
Kenya’s Antonina Kwambai secured third place in 2:28:50.
Cherono also claimed the “Marathon Chase” bonus — a special challenge where the professional women start ahead of the men and attempt to reach the finish first. With a 15:45 head start, Cherono successfully held off the chasing men to earn an additional $10,000 prize, a victory made even more special as the race coincided with International Women’s Day.
The 2026 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon delivered thrilling finishes and inspiring performances on Sunday as elite runners and more than 20,000 participants took to the streets of Los Angeles for one of the most anticipated road races in the United States.
The 26.2-mile race, which wound through iconic neighborhoods including Downtown L.A., Echo Park, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Brentwood before finishing in Century City, produced dramatic battles in both the men’s and women’s elite competitions. Beyond the racing, the event also proved a major success off the course, with the marathon’s 129 charity partners raising more than $4.5 million for various causes.
Wheelchair and nonbinary champions
In the wheelchair division, American Miguel Jimenez Vergara, a native of Chula Vista in Southern California, won the men’s race in 1:42:12.
Nigeria’s Hannan Babalola claimed victory in the women’s wheelchair race in 1:33:42, marking her third win in four years after also triumphing in 2023 and 2024.
Meanwhile, Cal Calamia topped the nonbinary division in 2:49:17, earning their second Los Angeles Marathon title after previously winning in 2024.
A citywide celebration
The marathon once again showcased the vibrant spirit of Los Angeles, with more than 100 cheer stations and on-course entertainment organized by charity partners and local running clubs. On-course reporter Pamela Price returned to capture the atmosphere, running alongside participants while sharing inspiring interviews and stories along the route.
From dramatic finishes to powerful personal stories, the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon proved once again why it remains one of the most memorable races on the global marathon calendar.