Running News Daily

Conner Mantz Prepares for Boston Marathon with Strong NYC Half Marathon Performance

Conner Mantz, the former BYU NCAA champion, continues to solidify his status among elite long-distance runners as he gears up for the 2025 Boston Marathon. His recent performance at the New York City Half Marathon on March 16, 2025, underscores his exceptional form and dedication.

Impressive Showing in New York

At the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, Mantz delivered a remarkable performance, finishing second overall and emerging as the top American finisher. He completed the 13.1-mile course in 59 minutes and 15 seconds, averaging a pace of 4:32 per mile. This time was just six seconds behind Kenya’s Abel Kipchumba, who clinched the victory with a time of 59:09.

Notably, Mantz’s time in New York was two seconds faster than his previous American record of 59:17, set at the Houston Half Marathon in January 2025. However, due to the point-to-point nature of the NYC course, this performance does not qualify as a new record.

Strategic Preparation for Boston

Mantz’s impressive showing in New York is a strategic component of his preparation for the upcoming Boston Marathon, scheduled for April 21, 2025. Under the guidance of his coach, Ed Eyestone, Mantz has been meticulously tailoring his training regimen to peak at the right moment. In the week leading up to the NYC Half Marathon, Mantz maintained a high training volume, logging approximately 115 miles, before tapering down to around 90 miles to ensure optimal performance.

This approach underscores Mantz’s commitment to balancing rigorous training with strategic rest, a crucial factor in marathon preparation. His recent performances reflect not only his physical prowess but also a resilient mindset, essential for tackling the challenges of the Boston Marathon.

Looking Ahead

As Mantz transitions his focus to Boston, his recent accomplishments have positioned him as a formidable contender. His ability to consistently perform at a high level, coupled with a disciplined training strategy, suggests that he is well-prepared to take on the Boston course.