First American in 31 Years Wins Los Angeles Marathon

For the first time in over three decades, an American has claimed victory in the prestigious Los Angeles Marathon. On Sunday, Matt Richtman of Illinois crossed the finish line first, shattering a 31-year drought and putting U.S. long-distance running back on top.

Richtman, just 25 years old, finished the grueling 26.2-mile race with a personal-best time of 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 56 seconds a performance that stunned spectators and competitors alike. "I didn’t really have a super big plan coming into this," Richtman admitted. "I just told myself to stay in that pack until about the halfway mark and then if I felt good I could make a move."

The Los Angeles Marathon’s course stretched from Dodger Stadium through iconic neighborhoods like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Brentwood, before concluding in Century City. Throughout the race, Richtman’s strategy proved flawless, pulling away from international contenders after the halfway point.

Kenyan athletes Athanas Kioko and Moses Kurgat followed behind, finishing second and third respectively:

• Athanas Kioko: 2:10:55

• Moses Kurgat: 2:13:13

The last time an American won this event was in 1994, when Paul Pilkington crossed the line with a time of 2:12:13.

Richtman’s win isn’t just a personal milestone it’s a significant moment for American athletics. In an era where international competitors have often dominated marathon events, this victory signals a resurgence of U.S. endurance athletes on the world stage.

"It’s such a great day," Richtman reflected. "The 40th anniversary of the race, so many legacy runners, and the crowd out here was amazing. There were people throughout the whole course, and it really helps."

Richtman previously finished fourth at the Twin Cities Marathon last fall and was a standout cross-country runner at Montana State University, earning All-America honors.

This is more than a win it’s a reminder of American grit and determination paying off, even after years of waiting.

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