Thrilling Finish at the 2025 Chevron Houston Half Marathon: Conner Mantz Ties Event Record, Sets New American Standard
The 2025 Chevron Houston Half Marathon delivered an unforgettable race, featuring one of the closest finishes in the event’s history. In a jaw-dropping sprint to the finish line, Addisu Gobena of Ethiopia and Conner Mantz of the United States both crossed the tape at 59:17, sharing the event record in an electric photo finish.
For Mantz, this historic performance was doubly significant. The Utah native not only tied the event record but also shattered Ryan Hall’s longstanding American record of 59:43, set in 2007. Mantz’s 59:17 establishes a new national standard, cementing his place as one of the greatest American half-marathoners.
The men’s field showcased extraordinary depth, with four runners breaking the elusive 1-hour mark and an additional eight runners finishing under 61 minutes. The sheer quality of performances underscores Houston’s reputation as one of the premier half-marathon events in the world.
Men’s Results Overview
1. Addisu Gobena (Ethiopia) – 59:17
2. Conner Mantz (USA) – 59:17 (New American Record)
3. Gabriel Geay (Tanzania) – 59:18
4. Jemal Yimer (Ethiopia) – 59:20
5. Patrick Dever (Great Britain) – 1:00:11
Mantz’s record-breaking run wasn’t the only highlight for American fans. Hillary Bor, Wesley Kiptoo, Andrew Colley, and Alex Maier all posted sub-61-minute finishes, demonstrating the growing strength of U.S. distance running.
A Photo Finish for the Ages
The showdown between Gobena and Mantz captivated spectators. Both runners surged in the final meters, with Gobena just barely edging ahead in the official results. While Gobena claimed the win, Mantz’s breakthrough made headlines, showing that American distance running continues to rise to global prominence.
Conner Mantz’s Perspective
“This was a dream race for me,” Mantz said after the event. “I’ve always admired Ryan Hall’s record, and to not only break it but to do so in such a competitive field is incredibly special. Sharing the event record with Addisu Gobena makes it even more memorable.”
A Record-Setting Day
The 2025 Chevron Houston Half Marathon proved to be one for the history books. With its flat, fast course and deep international field, the event continues to attract world-class talent. Gobena and Mantz’s shared record and Mantz’s new American milestone will stand as highlights of this year’s race, reminding fans why Houston is synonymous with excellence in distance running.
Whether it was the thrill of the finish or the remarkable depth of the results, the 2025 Chevron Houston Half Marathon delivered on every level, setting the stage for even more exciting performances in the years to come.
posted Sunday January 19th