Uproar as LA marathon makes 'unacceptable' rule change

Some elite runners are not happy as the Los Angeles marathon have confirmed a new rule put in place ahead of the 2026 race.

There can be no doubt that running a marathon is one of the most difficult physical achievements that a person can do.

It has been estimated that less than 1% of the global population run in a marathon race during their lifetime, with just over a million people finishing a marathon every year.

This year, more than 27,000 runners are registered to compete in one of the most popular marathons of the year in Los Angeles.

But ahead of the 41st LA marathon this year, many of the runners have complained about a new rule introduced this year that completely changes the race.

Over 25,000 runners are set to compete in the LA Marathon. (Image: Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Ahead of the Los Angeles marathon taking place on Sunday, event organisers confirmed that this year runners will be able to stop at mile 18 and still receive a finisher medal.

"If you're having a tough day and want to end your race before 26.2, you can choose to take the turn at Mile 18 and head into the finish line early," the Los Angeles marathon website confirmed.

Runners deciding to do so will not need to notify anyone of the decision and that the option to do so will only be available for this year's race.

The decision came due to the extreme heat expected in Los Angeles during the race, with temperatures ranging between 10-26 degrees celsius.

Although some were happy with the decision as it will allow those that are struggling with the weather to receive the medal without pushing themselves past their limits and getting injured.

However, it's safe to say that the majority of people are not best pleased.

Reacting to the news, one user on X wrote: "The 18th mile is a wall mile. It is what separates the true marathoners from fake ones.

"As someone who has done it three times, this is disgraceful and it ruins the integrity of a marathon. They can get a half marathon medal but shouldn't be issued a full one."

The new rule has been implemented due to the weather expected this year. Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Despite the new rule, a report from ABC News claimed that runners that they had spoken to said they had been training for months to take on this race and are determined to finish the 26.2 miles.

As it stands, no other major marathons has offered to do implement a similar rule, with runners required to finish the full 26.2 miles within time limits for the medal with early stops or DNFs not qualifying.