Marina
For the first time in over three decades, an American runner has claimed victory at the Los Angeles Marathon. Matt Richtman, a rising star in the marathon world, made history on Sunday, winning the 2025 L.A. Marathon with an impressive time of 2:07:56.
His victory broke a long-standing streak of international dominance in the prestigious race, marking a significant milestone for American marathon running.
Richtman’s Historic Win
Richtman’s win was no easy feat. He crossed the finish line three minutes ahead of second-place finisher Athanas Kioko from Kenya, who finished with a time of 2:10:56.
Richtman’s performance made him the first American to win the Los Angeles Marathon since 1994, when Paul Pilkington of Utah took home the title with a time of 2:12:13.
The victory came as a surprise to Richtman, who admitted that he was not expecting such a dominant performance.
“The whole race, I was running with a little bit of fear,” he said in an interview with Nexstar’s KTLA. “It’s tough when you can’t see what’s going on behind you.”
Despite the challenges, Richtman managed to hold off fierce competition from some of the world’s best marathoners and secure his place in L.A. Marathon history.
Richtman’s Journey to Victory
This victory is particularly remarkable considering that Richtman is relatively new to the marathon scene. The 2025 L.A. Marathon marked his second-ever marathon.
His first was the Twin Cities Marathon in October 2024, where he recorded an impressive time of 2:10:45, finishing fourth overall among the men. That performance set the stage for his historic win in Los Angeles.
Richtman’s marathon career has been fast-tracked, and he’s gained attention for his consistent performances and strong finishes.
His background in cross-country at Montana State University has played a significant role in his development as a long-distance runner. Richtman was a standout on the Montana State men’s cross-country team, earning All-American honors during his junior year in 2022-2023.
This achievement places him among the best runners in the country, and his marathon success adds another impressive chapter to his career.
The Los Angeles Marathon: A Global Stage
The Los Angeles Marathon is one of the most iconic marathons in the United States and attracts elite runners from around the world. Over the years, the race has been dominated by international competitors, with Kenya and Ethiopia producing the majority of the top finishers.
This year, Richtman’s victory stands out not only because of his performance but also due to the significant gap of 31 years since the last American winner, Paul Pilkington.
The L.A. Marathon has been a popular event for athletes, both professional and amateur, to showcase their skills.
The event’s fast course and scenic route through the streets of Los Angeles have made it a favorite for marathon enthusiasts. Richtman’s win, however, is particularly special because of the long drought for American runners in the event.
Matt Richtman’s victory in the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon is a historic moment for American long-distance running. As the first American to win the race in over 30 years, Richtman’s win signifies a major milestone in the sport and serves as an inspiration for future athletes.
With his impressive performance in both the Twin Cities Marathon and now the L.A. Marathon, Richtman’s career is one to watch closely.
His rise in the marathon scene, paired with his impressive background in cross-country, positions him as one of the top American marathoners in the coming years.