Earlier today at the historic 40th Stadium to the Stars Los Angeles Marathon Presented by ASICS: was the 1st Time in 31 Years that an American won The LA Marathon! It was not since 1994 that any American won this race, since the majority of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals have all been won by runners from Kenya, and a few times by Ethiopia in both the Men’s and Women’s divisions! 
This American was a 4 time All-American, and recent graduate of Montana State University the 25 year old: Matthew Richtman, who won the Gold Medal in a very fast time of 2:07.55! You can see him crossing the finish line in the above and below photos:
The USA also had another American that won the Bronze medal in the Women’s division: the 29 year old Savannah Berry from Orem, Utah, in an excellent time of 2:30:30! 
In the above and below photos you can see the Men’s USA Gold Medal Winner: Matthew Richtman, posing for a photo at the finish line with the Women’s Gold medal winner from Ethiopia- the 30 year old TEJINESH GEBISA TULU: 
In the below beautiful photo you can see the American Women’s Bronze Medal Winner: Savannah Berry, and the American Men’s Gold Medal Winner: Matthew Richtman, posing together for a photo at the finish line, with Eataly Restaurant- on the left of the photo, where the VIP Breakfast and Lunch was held immediately after the top runners finished the race, using their balconies on the top 2 floors of their Restaurant for an amazing view:
So it was a great day today for the USA, as American runners won top positions that are normally dominated by runners from Kenya, and sometimes Ethiopia!
On this 1 hour Documentary length show, brought to you by Entertainment & Sports Today’s News Team of Entertainment & Sports Today’s TV Producer: Steve Taylor, TV Show Host: Margie Rey, and Cameraman: Richard Marcella, you can see the interviews with Matthew and Savannah, along with the Kenyan runner that took 4th place: SAMMY ROTICH who was resting after his race at the finish line in the below photo: 
You can also see the coverage of the finish of the LA Marathon, coverage of the VIP Breakfast & Lunch at Eataly Restaurant shortly after the top runners finished the race, and news coverage and interviews from the LA Marathon’s Health & Fitness Expo on the Friday and Saturday right before the big race on Sunday.
This year with over 26,000 runners, and 40 years of success of the LA Marathon, we like to give honors to the McCourt Family- Frank McCourt and his son Brian McCourt, who head the McCourt Family Organization, and their Global Billion Dollar Corporations. They own Dodger Stadium and a lot of other businesses – and they give millions of dollars to about 100 charities they support with their Marathon, and their own charity that fights against neurological diseases, to find a cure, and empower communities to build a healthier world! The field consisted of runners from all 50 states and more than 70 nations. It included 93 legacy runners who have run all 39 previous editions of the race, while 40% are first-time marathoners.
The Los Angeles Marathon course takes you from Dodger “Stadium to the Stars” – The Avenue of the Stars that is, showcasing the vibrant neighborhoods and famous landmarks of this dynamic city, that gives you the thrill of running through one of the world’s most famous cities, with live entertainment and enthusiastic crowds cheering you on- every step of the way, to give all the runners an unforgettable experience! It features the world-renowned ‘Stadium to the Stars’ course, that starts at Dodger Stadium, and which tours iconic landmarks including Chinatown, downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park, Thai Town, Little Armenia, the El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park, Los Angeles City Hall, Little Tokyo, the Disney Hall and Music Center of Los Angeles County, World Famous Hollywood, the Dolby Theater – home of the Academy Awards in Hollywood, parts of Historic Route 66 in West Hollywood and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Century City, Westwood and Brentwood then back through Westwood to Century City, with the finish line for the “Stadium to the Stars” course on Santa Monica Boulevard, just past Century Park East, where the finish line festival was held. Now with all of these streets blocked off for the runners: is that a VIP tour or what?
Afterwards in the VIP Breakfast and Lunch that was held at the prestigious Eataly L.A. restaurant, right after the top runners finish the race, and overlooking the finish line, I was very honored to be sitting right next to Brian McCourt for lunch, and was again very honored to talk with him, and his Father Frank McCourt! They both posed for a photo with the winner of the Marathon: Matthew Richtman who is in the center, with Frank on the left, and Brian on the right of the below photo: 
They also posed for photos with left to right: The American Gold Medal Winner of the Marathon: Matthew Richtman, myself in the center: Steve Taylor: Executive Producer of Entertainment & Sports Today, and on the right of the photo: the head of the McCourt Family Corporation: Frank McCourt:
Running 3 minutes behind the 25 year old American Gold Medal Winner: Matthew Richtman, who you can see in the below photo with Matthew wearing his Gold Medal, on the right of the photo, taken right by the finish line, with Steve Taylor on the left: 
Kenyan runners took 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places, with the Silver Medal going to the 30 year old ATHANAS KIOKO with a time of 2:10.56, and the Bronze medal going to the 33 year old MOSES KIPTOO KURGAT with a time of 2:13.14, as you can see in the below photo- L – R: Steve Taylor on the Left, Moses 2nd from the left, and Athanas 2nd from the right: 
and 4th place going to the 38 year old SAMMY ROTICH in a time of 2:13:29- on the left of the below photo, with Steve Taylor on the right: 
The Americans also took places 7 to 11! We also interviewed Sammy right after he crossed the finish line, and laid down on the ground to rest up:
After my interview with Sammy, I also also interviewed the other 2 Kenyan Runners right at the finish line, and asked all 3 of them about a Kenyan running legend, and national hero: Kip Keino – and how he was an inspiration to them, and how he inspired other young boys to grow up to train for the long-distance running movement and become future great medal winning runners! I was very lucky as a very young boy to be there in person with tickets for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, at Olympic Stadium, for the Track & Field events to witness the main event of Track & Field: the 1500 Meters run- and see Kip Keino win the Silver Medal in that race, and the Gold Medal in the 3000 Meters Steeplechase!
In the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City Kip Keino also won the Gold Medal in the 1500 Meters: beating out the USA’S legendary runner Jim Ryun, who was the world record holder at the time in the Mile Run with an unbelievable 3:51.1 time- forcing Jim to take home only the Silver Medal! In addition Kip won the Silver Medal in the 5000 Meters: making him an inspiration to other athletes in the middle- and long-distance races! I was so lucky and honored to see Kip Keino win these Olympic medals in person, and then many years latter meet him in person at the booth for Kenya at the Locations Expo at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium- a convention for filming Productions on locations in the USA and around the world. Then again many years after that I was able to witness as a press reporter covering the current LA Marathon races going back almost 30 years- when the Kenyan runners would dominate the marathon race just about every year! Kip Keino’s first Olympics for Kenya were in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo!
In the below photo taken from the finish is Left to Right: Bronze Medal Winner: MOSES KIPTOO KURGAT, Gold Medal Winner: Matthew Richtman, and Silver Medal Winner: ATHANAS KIOKO: 
The American 29 year old Savannah Berry won the Bronze medal in a time of 2:30:30, right behind the Silver medal winner from Kenya- the 32 year old ANTONINA KWAMBAI who ran a 2:30:18, with the Gold medal winner from Ethiopia- the 30 year old TEJINESH GEBISA TULU in a very fast time of 2:30:14, who you can see in the below photo: 
The elite women started 16 minutes, 5 seconds ahead of the elite men for the Marathon Chase, with the overall first finisher: USA’s Matthew Richtman winning a $10,000 bonus. The time difference was determined by projected winning times. This time the top men Runners surpassed the women. The chase was part of the marathon from 2004 to 2014, with women winning seven times and men four. It was discontinued in 2015 when the race served as the USA Marathon Championships. It was revived in 2022 with women winning each time since its revival.
The men’s and women’s winners got $10,000, the second-place finishers $5,000 and third-place finishers $3,500. The men’s and women’s wheelchair winners each got $2,500.
The men’s race has been won by a Kenyan 22 times since 1999, including 2024 when Dominic Ngeno won. Ethiopians won the other four times. A U.S. male runner last won in 1994. African women have won 12 of the last 15 races, including in 2024 when Kenyan Stacy Ndiwa won for the second consecutive year. Like with the men, a Woman U.S. runner last won in 1994. In the below photo I got the opportunity to take a photo with Team Kenya, including the 4th place runner for Kenya: SAMMY ROTICH who is standing 4th from the right: 
We like to give a very special thanks to: Brian McCourt, the President of The McCourt Foundation, for putting on the LA Marathon for 40 years! His Foundation is on a mission to find cures for neurological diseases while empowering individuals and communities to build a healthier world, and give purpose, advance research, educate, and change lives. The McCourt family has a long association with real estate and construction in the Boston area. In 1977 Brian McCourt left working for his father’s road contracting company and founded The McCourt Company, which specialized in the development of major commercial real estate projects.
At Eataly in Century City – it has million dollar views, and is right on the Finish line of the 40th LA Marathon, for this exclusive VIP party with breakfast and lunch with authentic and amazing gourmet Italian food. When you Google Eataly- it says “very expensive but excellent authentic Italian gourmet food.”
This year the exclusive VIP Breakfast and Lunch that is held immediately after the top runners finish their race, was held for the second time at Eataly L.A. that is located in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center. The top domestic and international runners, sponsors, executives, and VIPs are invited to this event, making again an incredible party to celebrate the hugh success of the LA Marathon’s 40th year running!
“Eataly” is a takeoff of “Italy” with an amazing variety of Italian and European fine foods, deserts and drinks, with a very massive collection of some of the finest Wines from the best wineries and vineyards from cities all over Italy and Europe! They have the very top best wines in 2 very secure rooms with see through walls of unbreakable glass, which is needed to protect these very expensive bottles of Wines and Champagne. You would need to make an appointment with Eataly to take a tour of their vast wine collection, and to purchase any of their bottles of fine wines. 
From the 2 wrap-around balconies on the 2nd and 3rd floors where they have tables for you to eat, you have some breathtaking views of Century City, Beverly Hills, and West LA, along with a great view of the LA Marathon finish, with thousands of runners running right past you to the finish line on Santa Monica Blvd. and Ave. of the Stars: 
Eataly is spread over the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors with a range of separate Italian eateries/ restaurants, and actual food markets on their 1st floor, and part of the 2nd floor: 
where you can shop for authentic Italian and European foods, meats, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, a very wide variety of cheeses, imported packaged items: 
with an amazing Italian Gelato store on their 1st floor: 
and so much more! 
The three restaurants within Eataly are: La Pizza & La Pasta, Terra, and Capri. It is a vibrant Italian marketplace that features an array of cafes, counters, restaurants, and even a cooking school, where you can eat, shop, and learn! 
The gourmet chefs at Eataly brought out and served us a very nice variety of some of their finest gourmet dishes, pizzas, salads, and pastas, to make this an experience we will never forget. In addition, they had 4 open bars with top-of-the-line premium drinks, and a very big selection from their gigantic champagne and wine collection – to make this an amazing VIP party- for the LA Marathon! 
The Executive Chef Giuseppe was so kind to come up to me to invite me to the Boston location for Eataly, as you can see him on the left of the below photo, that was taken from the 2nd floor balcony of Eataly overlooking the finish of the LA Marathon, with a breathtaking view:
Eataly has locations all over the USA including New York, and Las Vegas- which happens to be near New York New York Casino in Las Vegas.
There are wines from Italy and from all over Europe, with some rare and very large size bottles selling for over $20,000, so that these wine collections are housed in two separate temperature controlled rooms, on the 2nd Floor:
and on the 3rd floor: 
under heavy protection with thick bullet proof glass- so that potential buyers can view the wines from the outside before being allowed to go inside for a closer look
My rule of thumb is that when the name of a dish needs more than 3 or 4 words to describe it- then it has to be good! They brought us out a special pasta dish with a name that was 14 words long!, that was needed to describe all the amazing ingredients of pastas, meats, and vegetables that were in it- that lived up to my rule of thumb of more than 3 or 4 words in the title of the dish- to make this an amazing and delectable gourmet dish that was as the Italians and Europeans say “magnifico,” as you can see in the below photo: 
So, for all the invited guests, the top medal winner runners, sponsors, executives, and VIPs- this was a great experience that we will always remember, and can recommend to you to visit Eataly L.A. very soon and throughout the year! So, you don’t have to run a Marathon to enjoy the Eataly experience!
The food was so good that I didn’t have any more room left for the next day, for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the 103-year-old Tam O’Shanter’s Restaurant, for their authentic Irish meals of Corned beef and cabbage simmered with potatoes and carrots for a traditional Irish meal that’s the perfect centerpiece for St. Patrick’s Day! But somehow I managed to eat their world famous and mouth watering Corned beef! There will be more about that on our next show.
There were several firefighters who ran in this Marathon race, who fought January’s devastating wildfires, so on this show you can also see the interview with U.S. Forest Service Capt. Jerry Garcia, who helped battle the Eaton Fire: 
He helped co-pace the group of runners who hope to complete the Marathon, as he paced them in two hours, 55 minutes, which is an excellent time for a person who is not among the top Olympic runners in the world. The 47-year-old Palmdale resident was the top runner in the 45-49 age group in the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon with a personal best time of 2:40:13. He won the 2017 Angeles Crest 100 trail running race. Another firefighter in the field was Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighter Greg Balandran, who ran on behalf of the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firefighters Fund, the official charity of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
Shortly after the wildfires erupted, the fund began providing long-term support for the more than two dozen LAFD firefighters and their families who lost homes or were displaced. The Los Angeles Marathon, New York Road Runners, the nonprofit organization that produces the New York City Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, and the Boston Athletic Association, organizers of the Boston Marathon, have come together to support Together LA, an initiative spearheaded by The McCourt Foundation, which owns and operates the Los Angeles Marathon, to aid those affected by the Los Angeles County wildfires. The four organizations have co-branded limited-edition Together LA merchandise, with all net proceeds benefiting Community Organized Relief Effort and the California Fire Foundation. These funds will provide emergency relief, assist displaced families and support long-term recovery efforts.
Dan Cruz, the head of communications for The McCourt Foundation, told City News Service the capacity field could be attributed to the marathon’s growing reputation, “its scenic and iconic course, strong community support and a robust charity partner program.” Cruz said the large number of first-time marathoners “could be due to the explosion in popularity of social run clubs throughout the region.” “We’ve also seen growth in the younger 20-29 year-old demographic and Students Run LA,” the after-school mentoring and physical fitness program for at-risk middle and high school students, “has returned to pre-pandemic numbers with 3,500 participants,” Cruz said.
Mayor Karen Bass was the honorary starter. It was 49 degrees with winds of 4-5 mph at Dodger Stadium as the race began, National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Rorke told City News Service. Temperatures on the course will “warm up pretty quickly,” rising to 60 by noon, Rorke said.
Francisco Sanclemente of Colombia won Sunday’s wheelchair race with a time of 1:38:10, his third straight LA Marathon triumph. American Miguel Vergara was second in 1:43:32. 
The Los Angeles Marathon Health & Fitness Expo:
As you can see in the above photo: Margie interviewed Chad from Stand+ to learn about the ultra comfortable shoe that makes you feel like you are walking on clouds:
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Steve interviewed Adam- the current owner of a family run business called: Jimis Cap- that has a great way to get perspiration off of your head!
Since 1998 jimiscaps has been helping people to Keep a Cool Dry Head with a JIMI CAP. The JIMIs CAP is designed to enhance an athlete’s performance and any workplace worker by keeping unwanted hair and perspiration off of the face and out of the field of vision. Size available: S-M-L-XL. To learn more, and buy yours now go to: @jimiscaps
The Mount to Coast running shoe has so many different points of value, that our news team needed 2 days with 2 interviews- to go over all the information about these unique and amazing shoes!
On the first day of the LA Marathon’s Health & Fitness Expo– while it was still raining: Steve needed to do a 8 minute long interview to discuss with the General Manager: Doug– 3 things about this shoe – that no other shoe has: 1- it can measure the life of this shoe in the number of miles that a runner can expect the shoe to last for, which is about 500 to 1000 miles, as it is specifically design for the ultra-marathoners who compete in 100 mile races, and sometimes over 200 miles! 2- it uses materials that other shoes do not use- so that it gives you better protection, and lasts much longer! 3- it has a unique kind of shoelaces that you can adjust on the top and the bottom of your shoe, so that it fits perfectly.
I also was able to talk about a pioneer of long distance runners who run the ultra long distance races: the legendary Ted Corbitt– who I was lucky to meet about 50 years ago, as a young man- when I used to compete as a mile runner. In Long Island, New York- I put together a team of 10 runners to compete in a 10 man 24 hour relay: where each runner ran 1 mile and then handed over the baton to the next runner on his relay team. The winning team was the team that had the highest total miles run in 24 hours. Our team came in 3rd place in the country! On this same 1/4 mile track- at the same time: Ted Corbitt ran around this track for 100 miles! He set the world record at that time, and it was a true thrill to watch his superhuman running effort and historic achievement!
Ted Corbitt was an American long-distance runner. In 1952, he became the first African-American to represent the United States at the Olympic Marathon — held that year in Helsinki, Finland. A winner of 30 marathons, he was founding president of New York Road Runners, parent organization to the TCS New York City Marathon, the largest marathon in the world. When I was a very young boy- about 1970- I was one of the original young boy runners who were given the original New York Road Runners orange T-Shirt- that back then had only 3 digits going up to about 300! I can’t remember that exact number that I was given, but I know I have it somewhere in storage, and it of course it no longer fits me, but I still have it to this day, and I will always will cherish it! The 1st New York City Marathon was held in 1970, and in 1973 I ran this Marathon when it was still run as 4 laps around Central Park, with a little more added to bring it up to 26.2 miles. I also am very proud to have won the Silver Medal in the Junior Division, which is 19 years old and younger! I have that Medal, also somewhere in my storage place.
Ted Corbitt also was part of the inaugural class of inductees into the National Distance Running Hall of Fame in Utica, N.Y. and a pioneer of race course measurement. He ran up to 312.5 miles in a week and introduced the “ultramarathon,” to the U.S.- a race much longer than the standard 26.2-mile marathon! His son and his friends also credit him with an acceptance of spirituality and alternative healing that helped him help others. Before his death, he sought treatment for colon and prostate cancer from an alternative practitioner in Houston. Ted Corbitt is often called “the father of American long distance running.” 
On the second day of this Health & Fitness Expo- with the sun shining on this beautiful day: Margie did a 4 minute long interview with Corrina to talk about these amazing running shoes from a women’s perspective, as you can see in the above and below photos with Margie on the left doing the interview: 
Mount to Coast is a performance footwear brand rooted in long-distance running, with shoes that are designed to meet the standards of the toughest ultra races and allow runners to test their limits. They are a technical running brand aiming to design shoes capable of supporting runners to go way beyond the 26.2 miles of a standard marathon. For them the marathon is just the start; and they believe there are no limits on how far an ultrarunner can go. Mount to Coast is a new brand based out of Hong Kong, with designers who have come from Asics, Brooks, and Nike. With an April brand launch, they’re focusing on two shoes: the R1 and S1. Both are similar, but both are different.
* An easy access to small items pocket, on the flap!
* Entire pocket made from waterproof fabric.
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Another pain relief product that we have been using for many years, is KT Tape. They have had booths at many LA Marathons and other Health & Fitness related conventions and events. Many runners, athletes, and even Olympic Champions use their products! They just came out with a great new product: NEW KT Recovery+ Pain Relief Gel that provides long lasting, penetrating pain relief with a powerful blend of cool and warm sensations. It temporarily relieves pain in muscles and joints associated with body aches, strains, sprains, arthritis and bruising. Its exclusive Micro-encapsulated Menthol allows relief to last several hours, while Arnica Montana aggressively targets inflammation to help ease pain quickly. Formulated with only the highest-quality ingredients, KT Recovery+ Pain Relief Gel is non-toxic, paraben free, and is safe and effective for repeated daily use. The formula is made from naturally derived ingredients. Its water-based formula helps the scent to vanish quickly. Approved for temporary relief from aches and pains of sore muscles and joints associated with: Simple Backache, Strains, Sprains, Arthritis, and Bruises. It is: Water based formula for quick absorption without oily residue, Contains naturally derived ingredients (menthol & camphor), and Dries clear and scent vanishes quickly. Apply to many areas of the body prone to overuse and pain such as the foot, calves, quads/hamstrings, back, shoulders, and forearms. To order yours go to: https://www.kttape.com/
Joachim is also an ultra-marathoner- who ran 300 miles from Santa Monica to Las Vegas! He is also the founder and owner of Tracksmith Running.We know that running shoes get a lot of credit, but the foundation for a good run starts with your socks. After hundreds of miles on hard concrete or rough trails, your body needs more than just a good shoe. You need total support to be able to recover and get back to training the next day. To keep you running and feeling great when you aren’t putting in the miles, we created a line of premium sports compression socks, designed specifically to enhance your circulation, support recovery, and keep your muscles strong.
What do we mean by that? Well, first we made sure to support your feet and legs with our Graduated Compression design. That means that as the socks get farther from your heart, the compression pressure increases. It ensures your body will circulate blood back to your heart, and keep you from suffering through painfully sore muscles.
Runners appreciate the constant support over long distances, plus the added recovery help during their rest periods. If you’re ready to step up the quality and performance of your running socks, you will find the right pair right here.
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As you can see in the below photo the rain would not stop me from going to the On Optimum Nutrition booth to learn about their great supplements, and powdered drinks – that I am holding in the below photo: 
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For all the runners and attendees at this Health & Fitness Expo they had some great food trucks and food booths- if you were hungry. The best food truck was right by the entryway gate: El Chef Mobile Kitchen that served up some delicious meals. You can find them at many events and locations throughout Southern California- so make sure you give them a try. If you like to see where you can get some great food now, go to ElChefisOnline.com.
- So stay tuned and thanks for watching Entertainment & Sports Today TV and Entertainment Today on Time Warner/ Spectrum. To watch other shows go to: EntertainmentandSportsToday.com Celebrating 30 Years being Broadcast on TIME WARNER / Spectrum!
