Kenyan marathon runner Michael Kamau missed out on more than Ksh3 million in prize money following a dramatic and unfortunate incident during the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon last weekend.
Kamau appeared to be on course for victory during Sunday’s race before his momentum was disrupted shortly before reaching the 42-kilometre mark.
A spectator waving a Kenyan flag reportedly stepped onto the course, forcing the athlete to abruptly adjust his running line.
The unexpected obstruction caused Kamau to briefly leave the correct route and slow down as he tried to regain direction. The momentary loss of rhythm late in the race proved decisive. Soon after, American runner Nathan Martin, who had been trailing closely behind, accelerated and overtook the Kenyan to secure the win.
Martin had followed Kamau throughout the race but produced a powerful finishing burst to erase the gap. He eventually crossed the finish line just ahead of Kamau, winning by only 0.18 seconds in a dramatic conclusion.
The race offered $25,000 (Ksh3.2 million) for the winner and $10,000 (Ksh1.3 million) for the second-place finisher. Because of the late twist, Kamau had to settle for the runner-up prize.
Race organisers later confirmed that the final standings would remain unchanged since the Kenyan athlete did not file an official protest.
“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,” the Los Angeles Marathon, through spokesperson Meg Treat said in a statement as per LetsRun. “No protests were filed. The results of Sunday’s event are unchanged.”
Although organisers maintained that race procedures were followed correctly, they acknowledged that the situation near the finish could have been handled better.
“The vehicles made their planned exit 300m from the finish line at the intersection of Century Park West and Santa Monica Boulevard within sight of the finish line structure,” the statement further stated.
“As with all major road racing events, our lead vehicles leave the course before approaching the finish line. Our vehicles did not make a wrong turn at this point or at any other during the event.”
Kamau has now been left to reflect on the costly disruption, while organisers say lessons will be taken from the incident to prevent similar situations in the future.
“An enthusiastic spectator’s behavior just feet before the finish line chute fencing commenced, seen in the video, is cause for concern. 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,” Treat’s statement read.
“Marathon road racing is a dynamic sport where pro athletes must combine endurance, tactical awareness, and mental toughness to be successful. All of these elements were on display this weekend. We congratulate our podium finishers and all of our runners who participated in our event.”