Matt Richtman breaks 31-year drought for American winners at Los Angeles Marathon

On March 16, 2025, Matt Richtman became the first American man to win the Los Angeles Marathon since 1994. He achieved this milestone with a personal best time of 2:07:56, crossing the finish line in Century City after racing through iconic locations such as Dodger Stadium and downtown Los Angeles. The event attracted a capacity field of over 26,000 runners, celebrating its 40th anniversary. Athanas Kioko of Kenya finished second with a time of 2:10:55, while Moses Kurgat, also from Kenya, took third place with 2:13:13. This victory is particularly significant as it highlights the long gap since the last American male win, which occurred in 1994 when Paul Pilkington secured first place. Richtman’s performance stands out not only for the win but also for his strategic approach during the race. He initially focused on staying with the leading pack and gauging his competitors before making a decisive move during the latter portion of the marathon. The atmosphere was electric, with a strong crowd presence celebrating the marathon's legacy. Weather conditions were mild, contributing to a competitive environment. This victory marks a turning point for American male marathon runners, who have struggled to achieve the same success as their Kenyan counterparts in this event over the past decades. The Los Angeles Marathon has evolved into a prominent event within the running community, credited to its scenic course and community support, drawing participation from both elite athletes and casual runners. The U.S. running landscape has seen a renewed interest in long-distance events, paralleling Richtman's success as an inspiring tale for upcoming athletes. His journey from being a cross-country runner at Montana State to clinching this marathon title signifies the importance of growing local talents for the future of American marathon running. In the women's division, Tejinesh Tulu of Ethiopia captured victory with a time of 2:30:16, followed closely by Antonina Kwambai of Kenya and Savannah Berry of Utah. Berry’s finish in third at this prestigious marathon showcases the increasing competitiveness among female long-distance runners from the U.S., suggesting a thriving environment for future American female athletes as well. The marathon's impact extends beyond competition, contributing to charitable initiatives, exemplified by the collaboration with The McCourt Foundation for the Together LA initiative to support wildfire victims in the region. This demonstrates the marathon's role in championing causes that resonate with the communities it touches.