Priscah Cherono rewrote the script on what's possible in marathon running at 45 years old, leading the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon women's race from the gun to cross the finish line in a commanding 2:25:18.31. The Kenyan-born, Colorado Springs-based runner dominated every mile of the race, building a lead that was never seriously challenged.
Cherono's front-running strategy was bold and uncompromising. While many expected the veteran to fade in the second half — particularly given the warm conditions that saw temperatures climb into the mid-70s — she maintained a consistent pace throughout, never allowing her younger rivals to close the gap. Her strength over the final 10 kilometres was particularly impressive, as she held her form while several challengers fell back.
A mother of three, Cherono has been running professionally for over two decades, but her career has experienced a remarkable late-career resurgence. She credits her longevity to a disciplined approach to training, adequate recovery, and the high-altitude training environment in Colorado Springs. Her victory makes her one of the oldest women to win a major US marathon in the modern era.
American Kellyn Taylor, who finished second in 2:27:37, praised Cherono's performance after the race, calling it one of the most inspiring displays she had witnessed in the sport. Kenya's Antonina Kwambai completed the podium in 2:28:50. The depth of the women's field made Cherono's dominant victory even more impressive.
Cherono's win comes at a time when masters running is experiencing a global boom, with more athletes over 40 producing world-class performances than at any point in the sport's history. Her LA Marathon triumph will serve as inspiration for a growing community of masters runners who are proving that peak performance can extend well beyond the traditional age boundaries of competitive distance running.