The 2026 Los Angeles Marathon took place on 8 March and once again showed why this California race is one of the most exciting events on the calendar. More than 27,000 runners started at Dodger Stadium and made their way through the city streets to Century City, near Santa Monica Boulevard and Avenue of the Stars, in an edition that delivered a dramatic finish.
In this race recap, we look at the key moments of the event, the winners and their times, notable aspects of the course, and a few tips for runners dreaming of taking part in future editions.
History and course of the Los Angeles Marathon
Since its first edition in 1986, the Los Angeles Marathon has earned a prominent place among the major distance-running events in the United States. In 2026, it celebrated its 41st edition, confirming its status as a major sporting celebration that passes through some of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods and avenues.
The race starts at Dodger Stadium and finishes in Century City, at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Avenue of the Stars. The route, known as Stadium to the Stars, passes through famous areas such as Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Westwood, combining gentle climbs, faster sections and the unmistakable atmosphere of Los Angeles.
In 2026, organisers also introduced an extraordinary heat-related measure: runners who reached mile 18 were allowed to head to the finish area and still receive a finisher medal. The decision sparked debate, but it placed participant safety at the centre of an especially demanding day.
- Participation: more than 27,000 runners took part in the 2026 edition.
- Edition: 41st edition of the event.
- Course: 42.195 km starting at Dodger Stadium and finishing in Century City.
- Exceptional measure: organisers awarded medals to runners who reached mile 18 because of heat-related safety concerns.
Winners and standout performances in 2026
The men’s race produced one of the tightest finishes in the event’s history. American runner Nathan Martin came from behind in the final metres to claim victory in a thrilling finish against Kenya’s Michael Kimani Kamau.
Men’s race
The top three finishers in the men’s race were:
- Nathan Martin (United States) – 2:11:17. He produced a memorable late surge and became the winner of the 2026 edition.
- Michael Kimani Kamau (Kenya) – 2:11:17. He led for much of the race and was beaten by the narrowest of margins at the line.
- Enyew Nigat (Ethiopia) – 2:14:13. He completed the podium after staying among the leaders throughout the race.
Martin’s victory was especially significant: he became one of the few Americans to win this race in recent decades and delivered one of the closest finishes in the recent history of the Los Angeles Marathon.
Women’s race
In the women’s race, Kenya’s Priscah Cherono led from start to finish and successfully defended her title with a very controlled performance. She took the lead from the first mile and crossed the line in 2:25:19, just one second outside her personal best.
- Priscah Cherono (Kenya) – 2:25:19.
- Kellyn Taylor (United States) – 2:27:36.
- Antonina Kwambai (Kenya) – 2:28:50.
Cherono’s experience and her ability to maintain a steady pace throughout the race proved decisive on a day defined by heat and smart effort management.
Wheelchair categories
The wheelchair races also featured strong performances, with high-level results in both men’s and women’s competition.
- Hannah Babalola – 2:17:48.
- Luca Montenegro – 2:20:02.
- Yeni Aide Hernández Mendieta – 2:27:22.
Highlights and memorable moments
Beyond the results, the 2026 edition left several memorable details:
- Historic finish: Nathan Martin’s win was the closest finish in the race’s recent history.
- Iconic route: the course once again passed through some of Los Angeles’ most recognisable urban settings.
- Demanding weather: the heat shaped race strategy for many runners and forced organisers to implement exceptional safety measures.
- Great atmosphere: thousands of spectators cheered throughout the morning, reinforcing the festive character of the event.
If you are interested in another major urban race, you can also check out our guide to the 2026 Madrid Marathon, where we analyse the course, the atmosphere and preparation tips.
Tips for runners considering future editions
If you dream of experiencing the Los Angeles Marathon, it is worth preparing both your body and your race strategy well in advance. The course is not extreme, but the distance, the profile and the possible heat require careful planning.
- Train climbs and descents: the course includes gentle elevation changes and long downhill stretches.
- Take hydration seriously: test your strategy on long runs and do not improvise on race day.
- Manage your pace: avoid starting too fast and save energy for the final kilometres.
- Adapt to the schedule: the early start makes it a good idea to do some training sessions first thing in the morning.
- Use technology: apps like SnapRace help you log workouts, compare results and stay motivated.
Running the Los Angeles Marathon is a unique experience that blends sport, tourism and urban culture. With the right preparation and a smart strategy, you can enjoy every kilometre and aim for a great race in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Final thoughts
The 2026 Los Angeles Marathon once again delivered striking images, an unforgettable finish and further proof of why it remains a major event on the American running calendar. If you are thinking about running it in the future, start preparing now and use tools like SnapRace to shape your training. Every great marathon begins long before the start line.