For the first time in 31 years, an American won the Los Angeles Marathon.
Illinois native Matt Richman was the second-largest field winner in racing history, according to ABC7. He ran 2:07:56 and then flew the American flag after crossing the finish line.
Ethiopia's Tehnesh Gebisa Tulu won the women's race at 2:30:16.
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Koichiro Kodama, president and CEO of Asics America, celebrates Matt Richtman after winning the Los Angeles Marathon on March 16, 2025 at Westfield Century City. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“That's definitely a surprise,” Richman admitted after winning the race every ABC7. “You know, I felt really good. It's really hard to tell where to compete, but today it was a really good group.
Richman was in front of Atanas Kioko in Kenya. He finished second in the time of 2:10:55, while fellow Kenya Mose Kiptu finished third in 2:13:13.
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Richman, a bobcat at Montana State University, won the victory and added that he “didn't have much strategy.”
“In the first half I wanted to stay with that group, I didn’t want to push paces, leads, or anything like that.
Matt Richman crosses the finish line and wins the Los Angeles Marathon on March 16th, 2025. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“The whole race I was running with a bit of a fear. It's hard not to know what's going on behind you.”
The fear obviously pushed Richman into the gear he needed to keep pace and cross the finish line first.
Richman thanked the people in Los Angeles who cheered him on during the race.
Matt Richman celebrates after crossing the finish line at the Los Angeles Marathon on March 16, 2025. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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“It's a great day, you know, 40th anniversary (of the race), there are so many legacy runners here, and her crowd was amazing,” he said. “There are people throughout the course, and that really helps. It's amazing how much the crowd can change the course of what you're doing.”
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