Montana Athlete Shocks LA Marathon with Historic Win

Gather around fellow Montanans, because we have some major bragging rights we need to collect. A former Montana State University cross-country runner just traveled to California and won the Los Angeles Marathon. Yep, a dude who spent his collegiate days training in our thin-air mountains just competed in one of the biggest races in the country. His name is Matt Richtman. And we are totally claiming him as our own.

Now, let’s discuss this accomplishment for a moment. The LA Marathon is not easy. It is only 26.2 miles through the smog, the sunshine, and a veritable sea of people who consider a puffy vest “winter gear.” But did that faze Matt? Nope. And his time? 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 56 seconds. That time made him the first American man to win in the race in 31 years. Yeah, you read that right. The last time the title went to an American, dial-up internet was still around.

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Now, Matt technically hails from Elburn, Illinois, but let’s be honest, it was his time at Montana State University that gave him the grit to pull this off. After years of running in subzero temps in the high altitude of Montana, a little California race seems like a light jog.

So to Matt Richtman, we say: Congrats, man! You made Montana proud. As a Griz fan, I don't normally say this, but "GO! BOBCATS!.

And to any other dreamers of a big win? Perhaps it’s time to relocate to Montana. We have the altitude, the attitude, and the key to running very, very quickly.