The 2026 Los Angeles Marathon is getting a lot of attention after organizers allowed runners to stop at mile 18 and still receive a finisher’s medal.
Ahead of the race, officials projected a warm day on the point-to-point course from Dodger Stadium to Century City. Temperatures were expected to start in the mid-50s around the 7:00 a.m. start, climb into the mid-to-upper 70s by midday, and reach the low 80s later in the day.
Why Runners Were Allowed to Stop at Mile 18
Because of the forecast, the McCourt Foundation said marathoners who were “having a tough day” could take an early turn at mile 18, head to the finish area, and still collect a medal. Official results would still reflect that they completed 18 miles rather than the full 26.2.
Organizers also rolled out extra heat precautions, including 19 aid stations, misting stations, more ice, sunscreen at medical stations, and expanded medical support on the course and at the finish line. The mile-18 option was possible because that part of the route already had infrastructure in place for charity half-marathoners.
Why the Decision Sparked Backlash
That may have sounded reasonable from a safety standpoint, but the online reaction was pretty brutal…