A year ago, Matt Richtman was a talented but largely unrecognized college runner, completing his final semester at Montana State University in Bozeman. Like many graduating seniors, he wasn’t entirely sure about his next steps.
Fast forward a year, and Richtman has achieved something few could have predicted: a stunning victory at the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday, clocking an impressive time of 2:07:56.
This performance not only made him the first American to win the LA Marathon since 1994 but also tied him for the seventh-fastest marathon time in U.S. history, according to Tilastopaja.
While the LA Marathon course is not eligible for records due to its net downhill and point-to-point route, Richtman’s achievement marks an extraordinary breakthrough.
His win further cemented his rapid rise to prominence, which began last October with his fourth-place debut at the Twin Cities Marathon, where he ran 2:10:47.
His progress continued with a sixth-place finish at the USATF Half Marathon Championships on March 2 in Atlanta, clocking 1:01:14.
The Road to Success
To call Richtman’s emergence on the elite American running scene surprising is an understatement. His rapid ascent is the result of persistence, self-reliance, and a passion for running that has driven his development over the past year.
“It’s been a really interesting year,” Richtman admitted. “There have been so many changes recently, but I think the potential has always been there. I didn’t stand out much in college, but I had some good times. It’s been a journey of learning by doing.”
Richtman’s journey to success is a testament to his unwavering work ethic, humble demeanor, and analytical mindset. He’s taken a self-directed approach to training, piecing together methods from books, articles, and the guidance of past coaches.
Roots in Running
Richtman grew up in Elburn, Illinois, a small, semi-rural town about 45 miles west of Chicago. His mother, Karen, sparked the family’s passion for running after participating in local 5K races. Soon, the entire family became known as the “Running Richtmans.”
One memorable 5K race highlighted young Matt’s competitive spirit. As an 8-year-old, he sprinted ahead of his mother, leaving her worried as he vanished into the distance. She eventually found him at the finish line, grinning and eating a hot dog.
Richtman’s sisters also became dedicated runners. His older sister, Rebecca, was a four-time NAIA national champion at Montana Tech and is now an assistant coach at Purdue. His younger sister, Rachel, competes as a fifth-year senior at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.
Finding His Distance
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Richtman became a standout high school runner, earning five all-state honors and winning the Illinois 2A state cross-country title as a senior in 2017. His love for running grew as he discovered that the longer he ran, the more he thrived.
This passion extended to his college career at Montana State, where he earned All-American status and led his team to its best NCAA finish in years.
In the summer of 2023, Richtman graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. Instead of stepping away from running, he moved back home, worked at his dad’s carpentry business, and volunteered as a cross-country coach at his high school.
He decided to test his endurance by running the Missoula Half Marathon, finishing second in 1:05:45. Encouraged by the result, he set his sights on his first marathon.
Crafting Success
Running is not the only craft Richtman excels at—he’s also a skilled woodworker, making everything from model airplanes and salad bowls to a 14-foot canoe and even a guitar. Inspired by his family’s woodworking heritage, he often combines his passion for craftsmanship with his drive to push his physical limits.
He’s largely self-coached, incorporating elements from his high school and college training, as well as insights gathered from books and online videos. Richtman’s marathon buildup included long tempo runs and mile repeats between 4:40 and 4:55.
Before the Twin Cities Marathon, he peaked at around 100 miles per week and later increased to 113 miles per week in preparation for Los Angeles.
A Marathon Breakthrough
At the Los Angeles Marathon, Richtman broke away from the lead pack at mile 16 with a 4:38 mile, leaving his competitors behind. Kenyan challengers Moses Kiptoo Kurgat and Sammy Rotich couldn’t keep up, and by mile 22, Richtman had widened his lead to nearly three minutes, finishing with the second-fastest time in the event’s history.
After his LA triumph, Richtman is contemplating his next move, with major marathons in Berlin, Chicago, or New York on his radar. As a newly signed Asics athlete, he’s already being considered a contender for the U.S. Olympic marathon team for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Reflecting on his progression, Richtman remains grounded. “At Twin Cities, I was cautious, not knowing what to expect after mile 20,” he said. “Now, I have a better understanding of the marathon distance and how to manage the middle stages of the race.
There’s still so much to learn, but I feel more confident with every race.”
With his down-to-earth attitude and unyielding drive, Matt Richtman is not just a rising star—he’s a force to be reckoned with in American long-distance running.
