For the first time in 31 years, an American won the Los Angeles marathon.
Matt Richtman, from Illinois, was the winner of what was the second field in the history of the race, according to ABC7. He ran 2:07:56 and wore an American flag after crossing the finish line.
Tejinesh Gebisa Tulu in Ethiopia won the women’s race at 2:30 am: 16.
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Koiro Kodama, president and chief executive officer of Asics America, famous with Matt Richtman after winning the Los Angeles marathon in Westfield Century City on March 16, 2025. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)
“It is definitely a surprise,” admitted Richtman after winning the race, according to ABC7. “You know, I felt really good; it is really difficult to judge where you make up for the competition, but it was a very good group today, and I was really happy to run with these guys and to win it ultimately.”
Richtman was ahead of Athanas Kioko from Kenya, who finished second with a time of 2:10:55, while his compatriot Kenyan Mose Kiptoo finished third at 2:13:13.
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Richtman, who was a Boubcat from the Montana State University at the University, added that he “really had not too much strategy” to resume victory.
“The first half, I just wanted to stay in this group, I didn’t really want to push the pace or the head or something like that, just a little stay, feel it, because it is a difficult course.
Matt Richtman crosses the finish line and won the Los Angeles marathon on March 16, 2025. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)
“The whole race that I was running with a little fear. It’s difficult when you can’t see what’s going on behind you.”
Fear clearly pushed Richtman from all the equipment he needed to maintain the pace and cross the finish line first.
Richtman sent his appreciation to those of the city of Los Angeles who encouraged him throughout the race.
Matt Richtman famous after crossing the finish line at the Los Angeles marathon on March 16, 2025. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)
“It’s such a beautiful day, you know, the 40th anniversary (of the race), there are so many runners inherited here, and the crowd was incredible,” he said. “There were people throughout the course and it really helps. It’s incredible how much a crowd can change the course of what you do.”
