Watch: American Nathan Martin comes from way back to win closest-ever LA Marathon

After 26.2 miles, just a few steps separated first from second Sunday in a stunning finish to the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon.

American Nathan Martin summoned a powerful finishing kick to chase down Michael Kamau with the finish line in sight during a dramatic final act in Century City that delivered a Hollywood ending. Kamau, of Kenya, led for much of the race that began and Dodger Stadium and trekked through some of Los Angeles most storied neighborhoods.

Martin caught Kamau just before the finish line, surging past as the Kenyan extended his arms in a desperate attempt to hold off the 36-year-old from Michigan. Kamau fell facedown to the ground and watch receiving medical treatment at the finish area.

It was the marathon’s closest-ever finish.

Martin’s time was 2:11:16.50, the same as Kamau’s on the preliminary results sheet. Enyew Nigat of Ethiopia was third with a time of 2:14:22.22.

Martin became the second American man to win the Los Angeles Marathon, joining 2025 winner Matthew Ritchman.

Kenyan Priscah Cherono led from Mile 1 to Mile 26 and logged an unofficial time of 2:25:18.31.

The elite women started 15:45 ahead of the elite men, with the overall first finisher receiving a $10,000 bonus. Cherono’s unofficial time was 2:25:18.31.