Matt Richtman made history on Sunday by winning the LA Marathon. He is the first American man to win this race in 31 years. The marathon was celebrating its 40th annual event, making his victory even more special. His achievement brings excitement to American long-distance running, proving that U.S. runners can compete at the highest level at the LA Marathon.
Fastest Time of His Career on a Famous Route
Richtman finished the LA Marathon race in 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 56 seconds. This was his personal best. The marathon route started at Dodger Stadium and passed through downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Brentwood. The race ended in Century City. The scenic but challenging course tested the endurance and strategy of all the runners. Richtman’s impressive time showed his strong training and determination.
Kenyan Runners Take Second and Third Place
Two strong runners from Kenya also finished in the top three. Athanas Kioko placed second with a time of 2:10.55. Moses Kurgat followed closely, finishing third in 2:13.13. Kenyan runners are known for their speed and endurance, making Richtman’s victory even more remarkable. He managed to stay ahead of them in a tough competition, proving his strength as a LA Marathon runner.
Only His Second Marathon, But Already a Champion
Richtman has not been running marathons for long. This was only his second marathon race. His first marathon was last fall at the Twin Cities Marathon. There, he finished fourth with a time of 2:10.47. With such a strong start to his marathon career, Richtman is showing great promise. His ability to improve quickly suggests he may continue to be a top competitor in future LA Marathon races.
Smart Strategy Helped Him Win the Race
Richtman said he did not have a big plan for the race. He knew marathons are unpredictable and require flexibility. His main goal was to stay with the lead group until the halfway point. If he felt strong, he planned to move ahead. When he took the lead, no one followed him. This smart approach helped him secure the win. He stayed focused, listened to his body, and made the right moves at the right time.
College Running Experience Helped Him Succeed
Richtman is from Elburn, Illinois. He was a member of the Montana State cross-country team. In 2022-23, he earned All-America honors as a junior. His background in competitive running helped him develop the endurance and mental strength needed for marathons like the LA Marathon. His training and experience gave him the confidence to take on top international competitors.
The Last American Man to Win Was in 1994
The last time an American man won the Los Angeles Marathon was in 1994. Paul Pilkington took the title that year, finishing in 2:12.13. Since then, international runners, especially from Kenya and Ethiopia, have dominated the race. Richtman’s victory after 31 years is a big moment for American distance running and may inspire other U.S. runners to compete at the LA Marathon level.
Ethiopian Runner Wins the Women’s Race
The women’s race also had an exciting finish. Tejinesh Tulu from Ethiopia won with a time of 2:30.16. She showed great strength and endurance throughout the race. Her victory added to Ethiopia’s strong history in marathon running.
Strong Competition for the Women’s Top Spots
Antonina Kwambai from Kenya finished second in the women’s race. Her time was 2:30.19, just three seconds behind the winner. Savannah Berry from Orem, Utah, finished third with a time of 2:30.31. Berry has been improving as a runner. She finished 12th in last year’s U.S. Olympic trials. Her third-place finish in Los Angeles shows her growth and determination.
A Day of Impressive Running Performances
The Los Angeles Marathon was full of great performances from talented runners. Matt Richtman’s historic win at the LA Marathon made the event even more memorable. His victory after 31 years for an American man was a proud moment. The women’s race was also very competitive, with strong finishes from top international and U.S. runners. This marathon showed the world that American distance running is back in the spotlight.
