Michael Kamau, of Kenya, led the final stretch on Santa Monica Boulevard, but Nathan Martin kicked into high gear and hawked down Kamau, passing him just steps in front of the finish line as Kamau stretched out his arms and collapsed in a last-ditch effort to finish in first: 
The American’s unofficial time recorded at 2:11:18, with Kamau 0.18 seconds behind. He is the second American male to win the LA Marathon, making Back-to-Back Wins in 2025 & 2026 for The USA! The American Gold Medal Winner from last year was Matt Richtman- who I interviewed last year- Matt is on the right: 
Matt is on the left of the below photo, with me: Steve Taylor: Entertainment & Sports Today TV Producer in the Middle, and on the right of the photo: Billionaire Frank McCourt, the CEO of McCourt Global: 
So on our show you will see the American Nathan Martin leaning at the tape to win in 2:11:18 in a sprint finish decided by less than a hundredth of a second! Nathan Martin, a substitute teacher and high school coach from Jackson, Michigan, made history as the first U.S.-born Black runner to win a major city marathon since the 1960s!
The LA Marathon race has had a long tradition of being dominated by the Kenyan and Ethiopian runners, as the men’s race has been won by a Kenyan 22 times since 1999, including 2024 when Dominic Ngeno won. Ethiopians won the other four times. Therefore, in the last 2 years all of that has changed for the better, for team USA!
The first person to cross the finish line on Sunday was actually Priscah Cherono of Kenya, who led the women’s elite division – which started 15 minutes before the elite men’s division – from Mile 1 through Mile 26, by gradually pulling away from the field in the second half and holding strong all the way to Century City, and finished with an unofficial time of 2:25:18.31.
Interestingly, she crossed the finish line on International Women’s Day, also claiming The Marathon Chase bonus for reaching the finish line before the men’s field. Therefore, as the first overall finisher, she won a $10,000 bonus for winning the LA Marathon Chase Challenge. 
In the nonbinary division, Cal Calamia won in 2:49:17 for his second LA Marathon title, having also won in 2024.
Final Men’s Results:
Gold Medal: Nathan Martin, USA, 2:11:18
Silver Medal:
Michael Kamau, Kenya, 2:11:18 (+00:00.18)
Bronze Medal:
Enyew Nigat, Ethiopia, 2:14:23 (+03:05.46) 
See above photo- Left to Right for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal Winners in the Women’s Division:
Gold Medal:
Priscah Cherono, Kenya, 2:25:20
Silver Medal:
Kellyn Taylor, USA, 2:27:37 (+02:17.10)
Bronze Medal:
Antonina Kwambai, Kenya, 2:28:50 (+03:29.54)
Men’s wheelchair:
Miguel Jimenez Vergara, USA, 1:42:12
Luis Franco Sanclemente, Colombia, 1:45:32 (+03:19.73)
Joshua Cassidy, Canada, 1:45:54 (+03:41.98)
In the above photo you can see me in the middle- live at the 41st LA Marathon finish line area with the Men’s and Women’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners.
We will give you a complete tour of all 3 floors of the Eataly complex, that has 3 restaurants, which is an amazing place to “Eat, Shop, and Learn” – yes! you can actually learn in their school that they have on their 1st floor- where you can take cooking classes to learn how to cook specialty Italian dishes! This year there was over 27,000 registered runners, 9,100 first-time marathoners, 86 Legacy athletes, 3,400+ Students Run LA kids, 129 charity organizations, and over 1,600 charity half marathon runners. That makes 41 years of success for the LA Marathon, so that we like to give honors to the McCourt Family-Frank McCourt and his cousin Brian McCourt, who head the McCourt Family Organization, and their Global Billion Dollar Corporations. They own Dodger Stadium and a lot of other businesses – and they give millions of dollars to over 100 charities they support with their Marathon, and their own charity that fights against neurological diseases, to find a cure, and empower communities to build a healthier world! The field consisted of runners from all 50 states and more than 70 nations. It included 86 legacy runners who have run all 40 previous editions of the race, while 40% are first-time marathoners. 
The race took place along a scenic 26.2-mile stretch, with The Los Angeles Marathon course that takes you from Dodger Stadium- as you can see in the above photo: “Stadium to the Stars” to The Avenue of the Stars that is, showcasing the vibrant neighborhoods and famous landmarks of this dynamic city, that gives you the thrill of running through one of the world’s most famous cities, with live entertainment and enthusiastic crowds cheering you on- every step of the way, to give all the runners an unforgettable experience! It features the world-renowned ‘Stadium to the Stars’ course, that starts at Dodger Stadium, and which tours iconic landmarks including Chinatown, downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park, Olvera Street, Thai Town, Little Armenia, the El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park, Los Angeles City Hall, Little Tokyo, the Disney Hall and Music Center of Los Angeles County, World Famous Hollywood, Hollywood Blvd., the Dolby Theater – home of the Academy Awards in Hollywood- where this year there is a photo opp set up for runners to take a photo – right in front of the Dolby, parts of Historic Route 66 in West Hollywood and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Century City, Westwood and Brentwood then back through Westwood to Century City, with the finish line for the “Stadium to the Stars” course on Santa Monica Boulevard, just past Century Park East, to Avenue of the Stars where the finish line festival was held. Now with all of these streets blocked off for the runners: is that a VIP tour or what?
We like to give a very special thanks to: Brian McCourt, the President of The McCourt Foundation, for putting on the LA Marathon for 41 years! His Foundation is on a mission to find cures for neurological diseases while empowering individuals and communities to build a healthier world, and give purpose, advance research, educate, and change lives. The McCourt family has a long association with real estate and construction in the Boston area. In 1977 Brian McCourt left working for his father’s road contracting company and founded The McCourt Company, which specialized in the development of major commercial real estate projects.
The 2027 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is on March 7, 2027, and early access registration is open right now at the lowest prices of the entire registration cycle. Entries at this tier are limited. Once they are gone, the price goes up and it does not come back down.
This year the exclusive VIP Breakfast and Lunch that is held immediately after the top runners finish their race, was held for the third time at Eataly L.A. that is on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of the Westfield Century City Shopping Center, where the top domestic and international runners, sponsors, executives, and VIPs are invited to this event, making again an incredible party to celebrate the Hugh success of the LA Marathon’s 41st year running!
At Eataly in Century City – it has million dollar views, and is right on the Finish line of the 41st. LA Marathon, for this exclusive VIP party with breakfast and lunch with authentic and amazing gourmet Italian food. When you Google Eataly- it says “very expensive but excellent authentic Italian gourmet food. 
In the VIP party at Eataly, when I was speaking to the man that makes all of the LA Marathon events happen: Brian McCourt, he told me that this year’s and next year’s LA Marathon course will have about 15 miles of it that will be the same as the course for the 2028 Olympic Games!
Brian also told me that this this year’s LA Marathon helped to raise money for a record 129 different worthwhile charities, and he has a goal of his future Marathons to help support 200 charities! This year these charities raised over 4.5 million dollars!
It’s really a pleasure to meet a successful business man that is so kind and giving, that uses his business skills to help out so many people and worthwhile charities! God Bless You Brian McCourt, Frank McCourt, and the entire McCourt family Foundation!
Again, this year I met Left to right: the General Manager of Eataly’s Los Angeles-Damiano, Billionaire Brian McCourt- partner in his family global business, and owner of Dodger Stadium, and me – Steve Taylor Executive Producer of Entertainment & Sports Today TV and Entertainment Today: 
& in this 3rd segment of our show: Entertainment & Sports Today TV- I will interview the General Manager of Eataly’s Los Angeles: Damiano Brescia, and the Head Executive Chef: Giuseppe Manco.
For the 5th year in a row in the VIP party- I met and interviewed: “Meow Meow” the top Chinese Women’s Marathon runner:
“Eataly” is a takeoff of “Italy” with an amazing variety of Italian and European fine foods, deserts and drinks, and specialty drinks that they made just for the 2026 LA Marathon VIP Party: 
They have a very massive collection of some of the finest Wines from the best wineries and vineyards from cities all over Italy and Europe! They have the very top best wines in 2 very secure rooms with see through walls of unbreakable glass, which is needed to protect these very expensive bottles of Wines and Champagne. You would need to make an appointment with Eataly to take a tour of their vast wine collection, and to purchase any of their bottles of fine wines. 
From the 2 wrap-around balconies on the 2nd and 3rd floors where they have tables for you to eat, you have some breathtaking views of Century City, Beverly Hills, and West LA, along with a great view of the LA Marathon finish, with thousands of runners running right past you to the finish line on Santa Monica Blvd. and Ave. of the Stars: 
Eataly is spread over the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors with a range of separate Italian eateries/ restaurants, and actual food markets on their 1st floor, and part of the 2nd floor:
where you can shop for authentic Italian and European foods, meats, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, a very wide variety of cheeses, imported packaged items:
with an amazing Italian Gelato store on their 1st floor:
and so much more! 
The three restaurants within Eataly are: La Pizza & La Pasta, Terra, and Capri. It is a vibrant Italian marketplace that features an array of cafes, counters, restaurants, and even a cooking school, where you can eat, shop, and learn!
The gourmet chefs at Eataly brought out and served us a very nice variety of some of their finest gourmet dishes, pizzas: 
and salads, pastas, and Shrimp, & Big and Delicious Meatballs: 
to make this an experience we will never forget. In addition, they had 4 open bars with top-of-the-line premium drinks, and a very big selection from their gigantic champagne and wine collection – to make this an amazing VIP party- for the LA Marathon! 
Last year the Head Executive Chef: Giuseppe Manco was so kind to come up to me to invite me to the Boston location for Eataly, so I interviewed him again on my show this year, as you can see him on the left of the below photo, that was taken from the 3rd floor balcony of Eataly overlooking the finish of the LA Marathon, with a breathtaking view: 
Eataly has locations all over the USA including New York, and Las Vegas- which happens to be near New York New York Casino in Las Vegas.
There are wines from Italy and from all over Europe, with some rare and very large size bottles selling for over $20,000, so that these wine collections are housed in two separate temperature controlled rooms, on the 2nd Floor:
and on the 3rd floor: 
under heavy protection with thick bullet proof glass- so that potential buyers can view the wines from the outside before being allowed to go inside for a closer look. 
My rule of thumb is that when the name of a dish needs more than 3 or 4 words to describe it- then it has to be good! They brought us out a special pasta dish with a name that was 14 words long!, that was needed to describe all the amazing ingredients of pastas, meats, and vegetables that were in it- that lived up to my rule of thumb of more than 3 or 4 words in the title of the dish- to make this an amazing and delectable gourmet dish that was as the Italians and Europeans say “magnifico,” as you can see in the below photo: 
So, for all the invited guests, the top medal winner runners, sponsors, executives, and VIPs- this was a great experience that we will always remember, and can recommend to you to visit Eataly L.A. very soon and throughout the year! So, you don’t have to run a Marathon to enjoy the Eataly experience!
The Los Angeles Marathon Health & Fitness Expo:
For so many years now at many Health & Fitness type of Conventions, like the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California; The Fit Expo, and The LA Marathon Health & Fitness Expo that are both usually held at the LA Convention Center, and now this year The LA Marathon Health & Fitness Expo being held at LA Dodger Stadium: Kool ‘N Fit has always been our favorite booth to visit for their powerful and very fast relief of pain anywhere in your body! Below is a photo at their booth- with our TV Show Host: Margie Rey:
Kool ‘N Fit Sport Muscle Therapy Spray: KOOL ‘N FIT® Pain Relieving is a powerful external, all natural, hypoallergenic formula that delivers fast, deep penetrating and effective pain relief for joints and muscles.It is good for arthritis, minor back pain, fibromyalgia, neck pain and other aches and strains. KOOL ‘N FIT® Pain is an easy-to-use spray that requires no rubbing and no messy residue. It has a refreshing aromatherapy scent and generates a feeling of well-being. Apply on the large skin area and allow the deep penetrating action to go to work with no irritation or inflammation of the skin. Ingredients: SD-40 Alcohol, De-ionized Water, Menthol, Camphor, Pine Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and other essential oils. Their formula meets the highest international standards and is manufactured under the strictest quality control by our FDA licensed laboratory.
I spoke to the rep at the The LA Road Runners (LARR) booth. When you become an LARR member, you’re officially part of the Los Angeles running community, and you are provided with training and the tools you need to compete in long distance races, and get yourself in top shape, and stay healthy and fit! It all started out in 1958 when Ultra Marathoner: Ted Corbitt founded the New York Road Runners as a non-profit running organization based in New York City whose mission is to help and inspire people through running. Ted started it with only 47 members, including President Barry Geisler and his children Barry Jr., Eric, Lee, Ronald and GG, and Kurt Steiner: the voice of the New York Road Runners Club, and Fred Lebow, and has since grown to membership of more than 60,000. As of 2012, it was considered to be the premiere running organization in the United States! I am very proud to be one of the very early members from the late 1960s, running in the New York Road Runners Age Group Championship 1-mile races, and long-distance races, and the New York Marathon! From when I was a small boy: I still have my original New York Road Runner T-Shirt, with one of the original lower member numbers on the shirt: number 308! Since then, the Road Runners have expanded to major cities all over the country!
Last year our Show Host and Health Reporter: Margie Rey interviewed the CEO: Shane McConnell, of Primal Power, and I again talked to him this year and learned that it is the new “Liver-Powered” energy bar that delivers a deliciously satisfying snacking experience with an unparalleled stack of vitamins, minerals, collagen, amino acids and protein, delivering a multitude of functional benefits to fuel the active lifestyle.
Shane let us try his new and delicious flavor: Peanut Butter Chocolate. They use Beef Liver Sourced from Grass Fed & Pastured Raised Cows from New Zealand, and it has 220% DV of Vitamin B12 in each bar! It is Power- Packed with Bio- Available Vitamins, Minerals, Collagen, and 18 Amino Acids + All 9 Essential Amino Acids! So our reporters tried some of these bars- and we were able to get all the benefits of liver, with out that terrible taste of the liver- since it is made with good tasting and nutritional ingredients! To order a box of your very own energy bars go to: https://primalpower.com. Our news staff will do followup stories to let you know how well these Liver Bars work for us.
We know that running shoes get a lot of credit, but the foundation for a good run starts with your socks. After hundreds of miles on hard concrete or rough trails, your body needs more than just a good shoe. You need total support to be able to recover and get back to training the next day. To keep you running and feeling great when you aren’t putting in the miles, we created a line of premium sports compression socks, designed specifically to enhance your circulation, support recovery, and keep your muscles strong.
What do we mean by that? Well, first we made sure to support your feet and legs with our Graduated Compression design. That means that as the socks get farther from your heart, the compression pressure increases. It ensures your body will circulate blood back to your heart, and keep you from suffering through painfully sore muscles.
Runners appreciate the constant support over long distances, plus the added recovery help during their rest periods. If you’re ready to step up the quality and performance of your running socks, you will find the right pair right here.
The Variety of Running Socks You Need:
While performance and recovery support are important for running socks, they aren’t the only things you pay attention to. We know that you also need a little variety in your style and design. After all, looking good is a huge part of feeling good. We would never compromise on high-quality, comfortable and great looking running socks for you.
Because our Graduated Compression design is perfectly fine-tuned for you, our designers have more free time to play with new colors, designs and looks. Every month we release new running socks to keep your drawer fresh and fun. No matter if you want bright colors or a more traditional look, we’ve got a pair for you.” So to buy these high quality socks go to: ProCompression.com
https://www.zennioptical.com
Another pain relief product that we have been using for many years, is KT Tape. They have had booths at many LA Marathons and other Health & Fitness related conventions and events. Many runners, athletes, and even Olympic Champions use their products! They just came out with a great new product: NEW KT Recovery+ Pain Relief Gel that provides long lasting, penetrating pain relief with a powerful blend of cool and warm sensations. It temporarily relieves pain in muscles and joints associated with body aches, strains, sprains, arthritis and bruising. Its exclusive Micro-encapsulated Menthol allows relief to last several hours, while Arnica Montana aggressively targets inflammation to help ease pain quickly. Formulated with only the highest-quality ingredients, KT Recovery+ Pain Relief Gel is non-toxic, paraben free, and is safe and effective for repeated daily use. The formula is made from naturally derived ingredients. Its water-based formula helps the scent to vanish quickly. Approved for temporary relief from aches and pains of sore muscles and joints associated with: Simple Backache, Strains, Sprains, Arthritis, and Bruises. It is: Water based formula for quick absorption without oily residue, Contains naturally derived ingredients (menthol & camphor), and Dries clear and scent vanishes quickly. Apply to many areas of the body prone to overuse and pain such as the foot, calves, quads/hamstrings, back, shoulders, and forearms. To order yours go to: https://www.kttape.com/
Joachim is also an ultra-marathoner- who ran 300 miles from Santa Monica to Las Vegas! He is also the founder and owner of Tracksmith Running.
