Surprise Wins at Los Angeles Marathon

45-year-old Kenyan and American runner take top spots in women's and men's races

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The 2026 Los Angeles Marathon saw stunning finishes, with a 45-year-old Kenyan woman, Priscah Cherono, winning the women's race and American Nathan Martin edging out Kenyan Michael Kimani Kamau in a photo finish for the men's title. In the wheelchair divisions, American Miguel Jimenez Vergara and Nigerian Hannan Babalola were the winners.

Why it matters

The LA Marathon is one of the most prestigious running events in the United States, drawing top talent from around the world. Surprise victories by older athletes and Americans in the marquee races highlight the unpredictable nature of the sport and the continued growth of running's popularity.

The details

Cherono, a former 5,000-meter Olympian for Kenya, dominated the women's race from start to finish, posting an impressive time of 2:25:19 in just her second professional marathon. In the men's race, American Nathan Martin conducted an improbable chase down of Kenyan Michael Kimani Kamau in the final stretch, edging him out by one second at the finish line. Kamau collapsed after the race and was treated by medical professionals.

  • The 2026 Los Angeles Marathon took place on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • Nathan Martin's winning time in the men's race was just over 2 hours and 11 minutes.
  • Priscah Cherono's winning time in the women's race was 2:25:19.

The players

Priscah Cherono

A 45-year-old Kenyan runner who won the women's division of the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon in 2:25:19, her second professional marathon.

Nathan Martin

An American runner who won the men's division of the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon in a photo finish, edging out Kenyan Michael Kimani Kamau by one second.

Michael Kimani Kamau

A Kenyan runner who led for the majority of the men's race at the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon before being caught at the finish line by American Nathan Martin.

Miguel Jimenez Vergara

An American athlete from Chula Vista, California who won the men's wheelchair division of the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon with a time of 1:42:12.

Hannan Babalola

A Nigerian athlete who won the women's wheelchair division of the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon with a time of 1:33:42, her third title in the event.

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What they’re saying

“I'm still in shock that I was able to catch Kamau at the end. It was an incredible race and I'm honored to have won the LA Marathon.”

— Nathan Martin (CBS News Los Angeles)

“At my age, I never imagined I'd be winning a major marathon. I'm grateful for the opportunity and hope to inspire other older athletes to keep pursuing their dreams.”

— Priscah Cherono (CBS News Los Angeles)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

The surprise victories by older athletes and Americans at the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon showcase the unpredictable nature of the sport and the continued growth of running's popularity, inspiring athletes of all ages and backgrounds to pursue their marathon dreams.