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LA Marathon organizers made the surprising decision to reward runners “who had a tough day” along the 18-mile course.
Runners participating in the marathon have the option of receiving their medals at the 18-mile marker and do not necessarily have to cross the finish line after 26.2 miles.
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Medals from the 40th edition of the Los Angeles Marathon, March 16, 2025. (Tom Kisken/THE STAR/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“If you’re having a tough day and want to finish your race before 26.2, you can choose to take the turn at Mile 18 and get to the finish line early,” the McCourt Foundation says on its website. “You do not need to notify anyone of your decision and can choose to go this route at any time.”
The organization said the option is only for this year.
The decision received some ridicule on social media.
The race was set to begin Sunday with temperatures reaching 88 degrees in the Los Angeles area. In the past, marathon organizers have canceled races or moved them up or back due to hot and humid conditions.
Los Angeles Marathon signage at Dodger Stadium on March 14, 2025. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“You will still receive your finisher’s medal and any challenge medals you earned, and the official race results will be updated at a later date to reflect your time and mileage,” the McCourt Foundation added. “There’s no shame in making a smart choice for your body.”
Treat Public Relations owner Meg Treat told Runner’s World that officials took the weather into account when making the medal decision. Treat Public Relations is in charge of public relations for the race.
“Our conversations about the weather have been ongoing… We started actively monitoring it with the Los Angeles Fire Department, who partners with the National Weather Service 10 days before the race,” he told the outlet.
Runners attend the 38th Los Angeles Marathon in Chinatown on March 19, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images)
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“This was earlier this week that the team was alerted about warmer temperatures… [and] “We communicated to our runners how they could have a safe race day.”
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