L.A. Marathon Allows Medals for Runners Who Stop at Mile 18

Critics argue the decision undermines marathon integrity and disrespects full finishers.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Los Angeles Marathon announced that runners will be able to stop at mile No. 18, turn off of the course and head straight to the medals table. They'll be able to get a full L.A. Marathon medal even if they don't complete the full 26.2-mile race. Organizers say it's an option for participants "having a tough race day," but many runners and others are criticizing the "soft" decision, arguing it undermines the integrity of the marathon.

Why it matters

Completing a full marathon is an incredible physical and mental accomplishment, and marathon medals are a source of pride for those who push through the challenges to finish the race. Critics argue the L.A. Marathon's decision devalues the achievement of those who complete the full course.

The details

The L.A. Marathon announced that runners who stop at mile 18 and turn off the course will still be able to receive a full marathon medal, rather than a half-marathon medal. Organizers say this is an option for participants "having a tough race day." However, many runners and others in the running community are criticizing the decision, arguing it undermines the integrity of the marathon and disrespects those who complete the full 26.2-mile course.

  • The L.A. Marathon announcement was made on March 8, 2026.

The players

L.A. Marathon

The annual marathon event held in Los Angeles, California.

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What’s next

It remains to be seen if the L.A. Marathon will reverse its decision to allow runners who stop at mile 18 to still receive a full marathon medal.

The takeaway

The L.A. Marathon's decision to allow runners who don't complete the full 26.2-mile course to still receive a full marathon medal has sparked backlash from the running community. Critics argue it undermines the integrity and accomplishment of finishing a marathon, and disrespects those who push through the challenges to complete the full distance.