Runners Frankie Yang and Sarah Fick secured their second consecutive Long Beach Marathon victories on Sunday, conquering the course and weather challenges that forced race organizers to move up start times. The duo emerged victorious as the top male and female finishers in the annual marathon, which drew thousands of participants to the scenic waterfront route.
Race officials made the decision to alter the schedule earlier in the week in response to a forecasted heat wave expected to bring high temperatures to Southern California. To ensure runner safety, the marathon began at 5 a.m.—an hour earlier than usual—allowing competitors to avoid the worst of the mid-morning heat.
Dominating Performances
Frankie Yang, 29, defended his title in the men’s division, crossing the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 45 seconds. Yang’s performance was 30 seconds faster than his winning time last year, despite the challenging conditions and pre-race adjustments.
“It was definitely tough with the heat looming over us, but I just focused on staying hydrated and keeping a steady pace,” Yang said after the race. “I’m thrilled to have been able to come out on top again.”
Yang’s main competitor, Martin Lopez, finished in second place with a time of 2:24:10, trailing Yang by just over a minute. The two runners were neck-and-neck through the first half of the race before Yang pulled away around mile 18.
“Frankie’s a tough competitor,” Lopez said. “I gave it my all, but he really showed his strength out there today.”
Sarah Fick, 31, likewise maintained her dominance in the women’s division, finishing in 2 hours, 41 minutes, and 32 seconds—nearly two minutes faster than her previous winning time. Fick’s steady pace and disciplined strategy allowed her to overcome both the heat and a competitive field of challengers.
“I knew the conditions were going to be tricky, but we all faced the same elements,” Fick remarked. “The early start was a blessing because by the end, it was really starting to heat up.”
Adapting to the Heat
In addition to shifting the marathon start time, organizers also moved up the schedules for the half marathon and 5K events, both of which took place before sunrise. Aid stations were fully stocked with additional water and cooling stations were set up along the route to help runners cope with the conditions.
“We didn’t want to take any risks,” said Race Director Blake Matthews. “Runner safety is always our top priority, and we’re grateful that everyone was flexible with the changes. We had great participation and, thankfully, no major heat-related incidents.”
The decision to begin the races earlier than planned was welcomed by many participants, although some noted that the lack of daylight in the early miles posed its own set of challenges.
“It was kind of strange starting in the dark,” said marathon participant Rachel Donovan. “But we knew it was for our own safety. As long as I stayed hydrated, I felt okay, and the sunrise over the beach was gorgeous.”
Community and Charity
The Long Beach Marathon, now in its 38th year, draws runners of all ages and skill levels, from elite athletes like Yang and Fick to first-time marathoners and charity teams. This year’s event raised significant funds for various local and national nonprofits, including the Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, and the Long Beach Rescue Mission.
“We’re proud of all our runners for pushing through the heat and supporting some great causes,” said Matthews. “It’s inspiring to see so many people come together for health, wellness, and community.”
With back-to-back wins, Yang and Fick have cemented themselves as the reigning champions in Long Beach. Both runners expressed interest in returning for a third year in 2025, but acknowledged the need to stay healthy and continue improving their training routines.
“The competition keeps getting stronger, so I need to stay on top of my game,” said Yang. “But I’d love to make it a three-peat if I can.”
Fick echoed the sentiment, adding, “Every race is different, and every victory is hard-earned. I’m just happy to be out here doing what I love.”
As the 2024 Long Beach Marathon wrapped up under increasingly warm conditions, participants and spectators alike left the event inspired by the resilience and determination of runners like Yang and Fick—two athletes proving that, with the right mindset, even a heat wave can’t stop champions from shining.