Matt Richtman becomes first American man to win LA Marathon in 31 years

A Historic Victory at the 40th Los Angeles Marathon: Matt Richtman’s Triumph

For the first time in 31 years, an American has claimed victory at the Los Angeles Marathon. The 2023 edition of the race, held on a day filled with excitement and nostalgia, saw Illinois native Matt Richtman emerge as the champion. Competing in the second-largest field in the event’s history, Richtman clocked in at an impressive 2:07:56, securing a well-deserved win. As he crossed the finish line, he proudly carried an American flag, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd and marked a triumphant return of American dominance in the event. The women’s race also saw a dominant performance, with Ethiopia’s Tejinesh Gebisa Tulu finishing first at 2:30:16.

Matt Richtman: The Illinois Native Who Made History

Richtman, a former Montana State University Bobcat, expressed his surprise at the outcome of the race. Despite his confidence in his training, he admitted that it was challenging to gauge his competition beforehand. “It’s definitely a surprise,” he said in a post-race interview. “You know, I came in feeling really good; it’s really hard to judge where you stack up against competition, but it was a really good group out there today, and I was really happy to run with those guys and then ultimately win it.” His humility and focus were evident as he reflected on the race, where he outran elite athletes like Kenya’s Athanas Kioko and Mose Kiptoo, who finished second and third, respectively.

A Race Without a Clear Strategy, Yet Perfected Execution

Interestingly, Richtman revealed that he didn’t enter the race with a pre-set strategy. Instead, he opted to feel out the competition, especially during the first half of the marathon. “The first half I just wanted to stay in that group, didn’t really want to push the pace or lead or anything like that, just kind of stay, feel it out, ‘cause it’s a challenging course,” he explained. This approach allowed him to conserve energy and adapt to the race dynamics as they unfolded. Despite his cautious start, Richtman found himself in the lead, pushed by a mix of determination and the pressure of not knowing what lay behind him.

Running with Fear: The Fuel Behind Richtman’s Victory

Richtman openly admitted that fear played a significant role in his performance. “The whole race I was running with a little bit of fear,” he confessed. “It’s tough when you can’t see what’s going on behind you.” This fear, however, seemed to fuel his determination to maintain the pace and secure the win. For elite athletes like Richtman, the inability to see competitors behind can heighten anxiety, but it also sharpens focus. His ability to channel this fear into productivity was a testament to his mental strength and resilience.

A City’s Support: The Crowd’s Impact on Richtman’s Journey

The 40th anniversary of the Los Angeles Marathon brought out a massive and supportive crowd, and Richtman was quick to acknowledge their impact on his performance. “It’s such a great day,” he remarked. “There’s so many legacy runners out here, and the crowd out here was amazing. There were people throughout the whole course, and it really helps. It’s amazing how much a crowd can change the course of what you’re doing.” The energy of the spectators, combined with the historical significance of the race, created an electric atmosphere that undoubtedly lifted Richtman’s spirits and pushed him to give his best.

A Win for America: Reflecting on the Bigger Picture

Richtman’s victory is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a moment of national pride. His win ends a 31-year drought for American male champions at the Los Angeles Marathon, a fact that underscores the significance of his accomplishment. For a nation that hasproduced legendary distance runners in the past, Richtman’s victory serves as a reminder of the talent and dedication that continues to exist in American athletics. As he celebrated his win, Richtman’s gratitude and humility shone through, inspiring not just the fans who cheered him on but also the next generation of American runners.