Nathan Martin Makes History with LA Marathon Win, Eyes Olympics

UPDATE: Nathan Martin has made history as the first U.S.-born Black man to win the Los Angeles Marathon, finishing with an astonishing time of 2:11:16:50 on March 8, 2025. This remarkable victory marks the closest finish in the event’s history, as Martin outpaced Kenya’s Kimani Kamau by just one-hundredth of a second.

The 36-year-old cross country coach at Jackson High School has quickly become a sensation in the running community. His victory not only secures him a place in the history books but also qualifies him for the 2028 Olympic Trials in Los Angeles. “It’s one of those things where you finish a race and think, maybe some people will reach out, but what happened is way more than I could have expected,” Martin expressed, reflecting on the overwhelming support since his win.

The excitement surrounding Martin’s achievement is palpable. After crossing the finish line, he was celebrated with a “victory lap” at his school, where students and faculty cheered for their champion. “This is bigger than Michigan. I think this is international news,” said Jackson Public School Superintendent Jeremy Patterson, who also attended Arbor Spring University with Martin.

As Martin prepared for the marathon, he faced personal challenges, including concerns for his family following a tornado that struck West Michigan on March 6. “Immediately, I called. Everyone was safe,” he reassured, highlighting how the incident weighed on his mind during the race.

In a thrilling last push, Martin began to accelerate with about 5 miles remaining. He described his motivation as a desire to compete fiercely. “I just wanna fight with the leaders and give what I have,” he stated, showcasing his determination and competitive spirit.

Martin’s accolades include being the fastest U.S.-born Black marathoner, setting the record at the Marathon Project in 2020 with a time of 2:11:05. He has also made appearances in the U.S. Olympic Trials in both 2016 and 2020. “From just a race standpoint, it’s one of my best finishes,” he reflected on his latest triumph, while also admitting the emotional weight of the outcome.

As he looks ahead to the 2028 Olympics, Martin is fueled by ambition. “That’s one of the big goals. I gotta put the work in and see what happens,” he affirmed. With his historic victory, Nathan Martin not only inspires aspiring athletes but also sets a precedent for future generations, making his story one of resilience and triumph.

Stay tuned for more updates as Nathan Martin continues his journey toward Olympic glory. Follow us for the latest in sports and breaking news.