LA Marathon to Award 'Finisher' Medals at Mile 18

Controversial new policy allows runners to quit early and still receive a medal.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The organizers of the Los Angeles Marathon have announced a new 'Mile 18 Option' that will allow runners to receive a finisher medal even if they quit the race before completing the full 26.2 mile course. This decision has sparked controversy, with some marathoners strongly opposing the policy change.

Why it matters

The LA Marathon's new policy highlights the challenges race organizers face as climate change leads to more extreme weather conditions that can make completing a full marathon difficult. While the decision aims to prioritize runner safety, it has raised questions about the meaning and integrity of earning a marathon finisher medal.

The details

Under the new 'Mile 18 Option', runners who are 'having a tough day' can choose to exit the course at the 18 mile mark and still receive a finisher medal. Race organizers cited weather and safety concerns, noting that temperatures on race day are expected to reach the low 80s Fahrenheit (around 27-28°C). However, some veteran marathoners strongly disagree with the policy change, arguing that finishing only 18 miles does not constitute completing a full marathon.

  • The LA Marathon is scheduled for March 16, 2026.

The players

The McCourt Foundation

The organization that runs the Los Angeles Marathon.

Jim Picker

A runner who has completed every Los Angeles Marathon.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The LA Marathon organizers have stated that the 'Mile 18 Option' is only available for the 2026 race, leaving open the possibility that the policy could be reconsidered or reversed in future years.

The takeaway

The LA Marathon's decision to award finisher medals to runners who quit the race before the full 26.2 miles highlights the difficult tradeoffs race organizers face in balancing runner safety, integrity of the event, and community expectations. This policy change has sparked a debate about what it means to truly 'finish' a marathon.