2XU Long Beach Marathon Delivers a Record-Setting Weekend
Xavier Smith, Jules Madzia take marathon titles as thousands race through Long Beach in the event’s largest edition yet
Bailey Hertenstein claims victory in half marathon debut, finishing in 1:12:13
LONG BEACH – October 12, 2026 – There’s a reason less than 1 percent of the world’s population has run a marathon. It’s hard. It’s grueling. And at times, it’s painful. But the reward is so fulfilling that millions put it on their bucket list.
A record 28,000 entrants took part in the 42nd 2XU Long Beach Marathon weekend, making it the largest in event history. On Sunday, thousands of runners took to the streets despite lingering effects from Tropical Storm Rachel, showing resilience and determination across the marathon and half marathon courses.
Race-day conditions were generally favorable, though strong winds added another challenge along the waterfront. Officials made a precautionary adjustment to the marathon course, rerouting approximately 1.5 miles away from the beachfront path. The decision proved timely as tide-related flooding increased Sunday morning.
Still, the runners showed up and persevered.
Xavier Smith, 26, of Lake Forest won the men’s marathon in 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 56 seconds. Jules Madzia, 31, of Beverly Hills, won the women’s marathon in 2:47:34.
Both winners credited spectators for lifting them to the finish.
“It’s a super fun course, beautiful,” said Madzia. “It was so windy that it made it super hard out there. But the spectators were incredible. That’s what got me through when I started to die. The spectators got me going.”
The win was Smith’s third at the 26.2-mile distance. Asked what he liked about his first 2XU Long Beach Marathon, Smith said, “The ocean breeze and the crowd were amazing. And I liked the drizzle.”
Dianna Barron of Shafter, Calif., finished on the podium for the first time at a major marathon, placing second in 2:51:01. It was also a birthday celebration for Barron.
“There were a lot more hills than I expected, but I tried my best, and I kept a positive mind. I feel like I finished strong, so I’m very proud of myself.”
Barron was easy to spot with her pink glitter.
“My favorite color is pink,” said Barron. “So I thought the more glitter the better.”
Bailey Hertenstein, 26, of Boulder, Colo., stepped up to the half marathon for the first time and exemplified the day’s grit, winning in 1:12:13.
“I wanted to make sure I was staying conservative,” said Hertenstein. “I was afraid of going out too hard then being shook up the last 4-5 miles. So I made sure I found someone gracious enough to cover with me and clear the crowd. I just wanted to make sure I was taking it as easy as possible and kicking at the end.”
Hertenstein runs professionally at shorter distances. Her season ended in May.
“I was falling out of love with running,” she said. “This was my way to reintegrate back in. This was a great first stepping stone back into my love and reminding me why I do it.”
Salvador Capetillo of Walnut won the men’s half marathon in 1:03:51.
The day also featured six legacy runners who have completed all 42 editions of the marathon. The marathon drew 7,500 entrants and 16,500 in the half marathon. Including Saturday’s 5K, more than 28,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes registered for the largest Long Beach Marathon weekend in event history.
“Long Beach showed exactly what this sport is about, thousands of runners pushing further than they thought possible and a community behind them every step of the way,” said Mat Hayward, CMO/COO of 2XU. “As title partner, we were proud to support the runners, clubs and specialty stores that continue to grow the sport.”
The weekend supported several nonprofit partners. More than 200 runners raised over $165,000 for the American Cancer Society, alongside teams from the Prader-Willi California Foundation, Team HDSA LA, WeRock and Ainsley’s Angels.
For complete results, photos, and more, visit RunLongBeach.com.
