L.A. Marathon Clarifies Runner’s Shock 2nd Place Finish by .01 Second
The 2026 Los Angeles Marathon is racing to clear up rumors about its unexpected ending.
After being in first place for most of the March 8thrace, Kenya’s Michael Kimani Kamau came in second place by .01 seconds, with American Nathan Martin taking the lead in the race’s final moments, finishing with a time of 2:11:16.50 to Kamau’s 2:11.16.94.
Following the photo finish, many fans questioned Kamau’s loss, blaming the marathon’s motorcade as well as a fan waving a Kenyan flag for his misstep, which saw him briefly take a wrong turn and run away from the finish line. After a few steps, the 34-year-old turned around to follow the correct path to the end, with Martin making up the difference between them.
However, in a March 9th statement to E! News, the L.A. Marathon dismissed the claim their motorcade was to blame.
“This morning, we became aware of a video circulating on social media of Michael Kimani Kamau going slightly off course as our lead vehicles made their pre-planned exit off the race course,” they said. “No protests were filed. The results of Sunday’s event are unchanged.”
The marathon rep explained that their motorcade left the route as planned before approaching the finish line, adding, “Our vehicles did not make a wrong turn at this point or at any other during the event.”
The spokesperson did note that fans’ interactions with runners may be distracting.
“We’re gratified that our race attracts large spectator crowds, and we will review how future issues of this kind can be avoided as part of our post-race discussions.”
While Kamau has yet to publicly comment on being named runner-up, winner Martin was in shock he was able to come in first place.