In a story that reads like fiction, Kenya's Priscah Cherono won the women's race at the 2026 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon with a commanding time of 2:25:18.31 — doing so at the remarkable age of 45 and in only the second professional marathon of her career. Cherono finished more than two minutes ahead of American veteran Kellyn Taylor, who took second, in a performance that defied convention and added another unforgettable chapter to a day already made extraordinary by Nathan Martin's photo finish in the men's race. Her victory was met with widespread admiration across the global running community, where age-defying performances are increasingly celebrated.
Cherono's path to the LA Marathon podium is unlike that of any other major marathon champion in recent memory. While many elite marathon runners peak in their late twenties or early thirties, Cherono came to the professional marathon distance late, having spent much of her earlier career focused on shorter road distances and cross-country running in Kenya. Her decision to step up to the marathon was met with curiosity rather than expectation, but her debut performance — solid if unspectacular — hinted at untapped potential over the 26.2-mile distance. In Los Angeles, that potential was emphatically realised.
The race itself was defined by Cherono's patience and poise. While the warm conditions caused problems for several contenders, the Kenyan ran a metronomic pace through the first half, passing halfway in approximately 1:12:30. She moved to the front of the women's race around the 30-kilometre mark and steadily pulled away from Taylor, who was running strongly but could not match Cherono's relentless tempo. By the final miles, Cherono was running alone, looking comfortable and controlled as she navigated the iconic Wilshire Boulevard stretch toward the finish on Avenue of the Stars.
Taylor's second-place finish in 2:27:21 was a strong result for the American, who at 41 is herself proving that marathon excellence knows no age limit. The women's race featured solid depth throughout, with the heat playing a significant role in shaping the final standings. Several younger, faster runners on paper were unable to cope with the demanding conditions, lending credence to the theory that marathon running rewards experience and maturity as much as raw speed. For Cherono, decades of running in the Kenyan highlands provided the perfect preparation for a hot-weather marathon.
Cherono's victory is part of a broader trend in women's marathon running, where athletes in their late thirties and forties are increasingly competitive at the highest level. From Tatyana McFadden's sustained wheelchair dominance to the consistent excellence of runners like Brigid Kosgei and Edna Kiplagat well into their thirties, the marathon is a discipline that rewards longevity. Cherono, however, takes this narrative to a new level — winning a major city marathon at 45, in just her second attempt at the distance, suggests that the limits of what is possible in women's marathon running continue to be rewritten. Her LA triumph is a testament to the enduring power of patience, preparation, and an indomitable competitive spirit.