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LA Marathon organizers have made the difficult decision to reward runners “who had a tough day” on the 18-mile course.
Runners participating in the marathon have the opportunity to receive their medals at the 18-mile marker and do not necessarily have to cross the finish line after 26.2 miles.
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Medals from the 40th edition of the Los Angeles Marathon, March 16, 2025. (Tom Kisken/THE STAR/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“If you are having a tough day and want to finish your race before 26:2, you can choose to take the turn at mile 18 and cross the finish line early,” the McCourt Foundation says on its website. “You do not need to inform anyone of your decision and you can choose to take this route at any time.”
The organization said this option was only valid for this year.
The decision sparked some mockery on social media.
The race was scheduled to begin Sunday with temperatures reaching 88 degrees in the Los Angeles area. In the past, marathon organizers have canceled races or moved them earlier or later due to hot and humid conditions.
Los Angeles Marathon signage at Dodger Stadium on March 14, 2025. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“You will still receive your finisher medal and any challenge medals you earned, and your official race results will be updated later to reflect your time and mileage,” the McCourt Foundation added. “There’s no shame in making a smart decision for your body.”
Treat PR owner Meg Treat told Runner’s World that officials had the weather in mind when making the medal decision. Treat Public Relations handles public relations for the race.
“Our weather conversations continue… We begin actively monitoring the situation with the Los Angeles Fire Department, which partners with the National Weather Service 10 days before the race,” she told the outlet.
Runners attend the 38th Los Angeles Marathon in Chinatown on March 19, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images)
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“It was at the beginning of the week that the team was alerted to warmer temperatures… [and] we explained to our runners how they could have a safe day of racing. »
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