Priscah Cherono from Kenya Takes Charge from the Start to Win the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon

Cherono Dominates Los Angeles Marathon with Commanding Victory

In a stunning display of endurance, Kenya’s Priscah Cherono led the women’s pro race at the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon from start to finish, crossing the finish line in Century City with an impressive time of 2:25:18.31.

Cherono, a former Olympian who represented Kenya in the 5000 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, took the lead immediately after the race commenced at Dodger Stadium. At 45 years old, she maintained a solid pace, showcasing her strength and skill throughout the 26.2-mile course.

The marathon featured a unique structure, with the elite women starting 15 minutes and 45 seconds ahead of the elite men, allowing for additional competition and potential bonuses. The overall first finisher was set to receive a $10,000 bonus, drawing heightened interest among participants.

"I’m so happy, I won the race," Cherono remarked after her victory. "That’s so good for me; the course was so good. I’m only 45, but I am feeling I am OK."

American Kellyn Taylor claimed second place, finishing with a time of 2:27:36.00, followed closely by fellow Kenyan Antonina Kwambai, who took third in 2:28:49.09.

For the women’s podium, the results were as follows:

• Gold: Priscah Cherono 🇰🇪 (Bib #8) 2:25:18.31
• Silver: Kellyn Taylor 🇺🇸 (Bib #10) 2:27:36.00
• Bronze: Antonina Kwambai 🇰🇪 (Bib #2) 2:28:49.09

Reflecting on her race experience, Taylor noted, "I was just kind of hanging on for dear life. I feel like that’s the nature of this course: You just kind of hang on and grind until you get to the finish and hope that nobody passes you."

In a thrilling parallel race, American Nathan Martin clinched the men’s title with a decisive sprint to the finish, overtaking Michael Kamau just yards from the line. Both runners recorded the same preliminary time of 2:11:16.50, marking the closest finish in LA Marathon history. Enyew Nigat of Ethiopia rounded out the top three with a time of 2:14:22.22.

Martin’s victory makes him the second American male to win the Los Angeles Marathon, following in the footsteps of Matthew Ritchman, who triumphed in 2025.