Running News Daily

The 41st edition of the Los Angeles Marathon produced a day filled with drama, resilience, and unforgettable performances, as American runner Nathan Miller captured the men’s title in the closest finish in race history while Kenya’s Priscah Cherono delivered a remarkable victory in the women’s race.

The men’s contest came down to a breathtaking final sprint. Miller surged at the last possible moment to edge Kenya’s Michael Kamau at the finish line, with both runners officially credited with the same time of 2:11:18 after covering the demanding 26.2-mile course. Their shoulder-to-shoulder battle through the closing stretch created a thrilling finale, with Miller’s perfectly timed surge proving decisive in the final stride.

Moments after the finish, concern rose for Kamau, who reportedly did not take fluids during the race and collapsed after crossing the line. Medical personnel quickly attended to the Kenyan athlete, who was taken away on a stretcher following his courageous effort. Fellow Kenyan Enyew Nigat completed the podium, finishing third in 2:14:23 after a steady performance throughout the race.

For Miller, the victory marks a significant moment in a career defined by dedication both on and off the road. The 36-year-old from Jackson, Michigan balances elite competition with his work as a substitute teacher and a high school track and cross-country coach at Jackson High School. His personal best of 2:10:45, achieved at the Grandma's Marathon in 2023, also stands as the fastest marathon ever run by a U.S.-born Black athlete. His triumph continues a growing American presence atop the race, following the victory of Matt Richtman last year, who became the first American men’s champion since 1994 when he won in 2:07:56.

While the men’s race delivered a dramatic sprint finish, the women’s race showcased experience and determination as Cherono powered to victory in 2:25:20. At 45 years old, the mother of three produced an inspiring run across the streets of Los Angeles. Cherono, who now lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, once competed at the Olympic level, finishing 10th in the 5,000 meters at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

American runner Kellyn Taylor of Flagstaff, Arizona finished second in 2:27:37, while Kenya’s Antonina Kwambai secured third place in 2:28:50, rounding out a competitive women’s podium.

Weather conditions added another layer of challenge to the race. With temperatures forecast to climb into the 80s by midday, organizers announced that runners who managed to complete 18 miles of the course would still receive medals due to the expected heat. The race began at Dodger Stadium and stretched across the city before finishing in the Century City district of Los Angeles, where thousands of runners pushed through the warm conditions and the relentless distance.

From Miller’s electrifying last-stride surge to Cherono’s inspiring victory at 45, the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon unfolded as a powerful reminder of the spirit of endurance that defines the sport. On a warm California morning filled with tension and triumph, the race once again proved that in the marathon, greatness often reveals itself in the very final stride.

With the dazzling city skyline as his backdrop, Joshua Kipkorir of Kenya stormed home to successfully defend his Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) title on Saturday (Nov 30) night, in the first evening edition of the annual running event.

The 25-year-old breasted the tape at The Float @ Marina Bay in 2hr 19min 13sec, ahead of Munyo Solomon Mutai of Uganda (2:19:46) and Benson Seurei of Bahrain (2:20:25).

Fellow Kenyan Priscah Cherono also retained her title in the women's race, winning in 2:28:53 to set a new SCSM record - the previous mark was 2:31:55 set by her compatriot Salina Kosgei in 2006.

Another Kenyan, Stella Jepng'Etich Barsosio, was second in 2:30:18 while Alemnesh Guta of Australia (2:37:03) rounded off the podium places.

Both Kipkorir and Cherono won US$50,000 (S$68,390) in prize money and ensured Kenya's dominance at the SCSM for a fifth straight year.

The marathon attracted over 15,000 participants with the overall event - which includes a kids' dash, and distances of 21km, 10km, 5km as well as a wheelchair category - seeing over 50,000 entrants.

Unlike the previous editions when the marathon began before dawn - last year's start time was 4.30am - this year's 42.195km marathon flagged off at 6.05pm at the F1 Pit Building.

The switch is part of the effort to fulfil various criteria in the organisers' bid to get the SCSM listed among the Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM), a series of the most prestigious marathons in the world.

None of the six WMM races - Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York and Tokyo - are held at night.

This year's course took runners from the F1 Pit Building through the Central Business District to places such as West Coast Highway, Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, before ending at The Float.

Meanwhile, national record holder Soh Rui Yong was the top local male finisher for the third year in a row, crossing the finish line in 2:45:52. He earned $10,000 for his efforts.

Sharon Tan celebrated a first title as the fastest Singapore woman, finishing in 3:12:49.

Former World bronze medallist champion, Priscah Cherono won the 36th edition of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon that was held on Sunday (9) in Singapore, Malaysia. The 38 year-old who faced a stiff challenge from her fellow country-mate led a Kenyan 1-5 podium finish as she took the top honors when she cut the tape 2:32.12. “I was worried about the weather yesterday because it was not so good (it rained overnight on Saturday) but today, the conditions were good,” said Cherono. Stella Barsosio took the second place in 2:33.23 while Jane Jelagat sealed the podium three places in 2:35.38. Agnes Kiprop and Naomi Maiyo both from Kenya took fourth and fifth place in 2:39.14 and 2:39.58 respectively.

Kenyans swept both the men’s and women’s elite categories of the 4th Annual Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) held Sunday December 9.  Some ran in superhero costumes in the sweltering heat, some ran to raise money for charity, some wanted to beat the clock and some, well, just love running. Regardless of their reason, the SCSM held against the backdrop of the city’s waterfront, remains a colourful and vibrant fixture on the Singapore calendar. Over 30,000 participants pounded the streets in the downtown area. The two-day event saw 50,000 participants in total. Joshua Kipkorir won the men’s race in 2:12:20, while Priscah Cherono was the first woman clocking 2:32:12 – both just missed the championship records.