Nathan Martin Overtakes Michael Kamau in Dramatic LA Marathon Finish

American runner Martin edges out Kenyan Kamau in closest LA Marathon finish in 41 years

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The 2026 Los Angeles Marathon saw a thrilling finish as American runner Nathan Martin overtook Kenyan runner Michael Kamau in the final steps to win the race with an unofficial time of 2:11:18, just 0.18 seconds ahead of Kamau. Meanwhile, Priscah Cherono of Kenya won the women's elite division with an unofficial time of 2:25:18.31.

Why it matters

The LA Marathon is one of the most prestigious running events in the United States, and this year's dramatic finish highlighted the intense competition and high level of talent among the elite runners. Martin's victory marks the second consecutive year an American has won the men's race, a significant achievement.

The details

Kamau led for most of the final stretch on Santa Monica Boulevard, but Martin was able to kick into high gear and pass him just steps before the finish line. Cherono led the women's elite division from start to finish, winning a $10,000 bonus as the first overall finisher.

  • The race took place on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • Cherono finished first overall with an unofficial time of 2:25:18.31.
  • Martin finished first in the men's elite division with an unofficial time of 2:11:18, edging out Kamau by 0.18 seconds.

The players

Nathan Martin

An American runner who won the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon with an unofficial time of 2:11:18, narrowly defeating Kenyan runner Michael Kamau.

Michael Kamau

A Kenyan runner who led for most of the final stretch of the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon but was overtaken by Nathan Martin in the final steps, finishing second with an unofficial time of 2:11:18.18.

Priscah Cherono

A Kenyan runner who won the women's elite division of the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon with an unofficial time of 2:25:18.31, leading the race from start to finish.

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What they’re saying

“That was the closest finish I've ever seen in the LA Marathon. I couldn't believe I was able to catch Kamau at the very end.”

— Nathan Martin, 2026 LA Marathon Winner (usatoday.com)

“I gave it everything I had, but Martin just had a little bit more left in the tank. Congratulations to him on a great race.”

— Michael Kamau, 2026 LA Marathon Runner-Up (usatoday.com)

What’s next

The 2027 Los Angeles Marathon is scheduled for March 7, 2027.

The takeaway

The 2026 Los Angeles Marathon featured an incredibly close and dramatic finish, with American runner Nathan Martin overtaking Kenyan runner Michael Kamau in the final steps to claim victory. This thrilling race showcased the high level of talent and competition among the world's elite marathon runners.