Running News Daily

Conner Mantz heads into Sunday’s TCS New York City Marathon with a clear ambition: to be right there with the leading pack when the race reaches its decisive stages.

The 29-year-old American is not simply hoping to survive the demanding New York course. He intends to remain among the strongest contenders deep into the race, and he already has a few names in mind when it comes to the athletes he expects to be alongside him.

One of them is Benson Kipruto, the reigning New York City Marathon champion and one of the most consistent marathoners in the world.

“Benson will be there,” Mantz said. “I feel like he’s always there.”

It is difficult to argue with that assessment. Kipruto has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to remain competitive deep into major marathons, making him one of the runners Mantz expects to see when the race begins to take shape.

Mantz also singled out Andreas Almgren, who will make his highly anticipated marathon debut in New York.

“It’s hard to bet against Almgren,” Mantz said, highlighting the Swedish star’s extraordinary range and strength as he steps up to the 42.195-kilometre distance for the first time.

Another athlete on Mantz’s radar is Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta, who has already established himself as a formidable force over the marathon distance.

“I imagine Deresa will be there,” Mantz added.

But the most intriguing matchup could involve another American: Zouhair Talbi.

Talbi arrives in New York with impressive credentials of his own. He was the top American at the Boston Marathon and has established himself as one of the fastest marathoners in U.S. history. Mantz, however, is hoping that when the race reaches its closing stages, he will once again have the edge over his compatriot.

“Hopefully I’m a little ahead of him at that point,” Mantz said.

There is already some history between the two Americans. In their previous race together, Mantz and Talbi remained locked together until roughly 600 metres from the finish, when the battle was finally decided. New York could provide another chapter in that developing rivalry, only this time with a major marathon title at stake.

Mantz’s credentials explain why he believes he belongs in the lead-pack conversation. He has already finished inside the top eight at an Olympic Games, won two national titles and recorded five top-eight finishes at major marathons. He has also represented the United States at the World Road Running Championships, giving him valuable experience on some of the biggest stages in the sport.

His marathon progression has been particularly impressive. On October 12, 2025, Mantz clocked 2:04:43 to set the American record and national record, confirming his status as one of the fastest marathoners the United States has ever produced. That breakthrough transformed him from a promising distance runner into a genuine contender on the global marathon stage.

His versatility extends well beyond the marathon, too. Mantz is ranked among the world’s leading athletes in the 10,000 metres and road running, while also sitting inside the global top 60 for the marathon. His combination of speed, endurance and championship experience makes him a dangerous competitor on a course as unpredictable and demanding as New York.

And that is precisely why Mantz is not looking merely to be part of the field on Sunday. He wants to be part of the race.

If his prediction proves correct, Mantz could find himself surrounded by Kipruto, Almgren, Geleta and Talbi as the marathon enters its most critical miles. From there, patience, positioning and the ability to handle the brutal closing stages of New York could determine who remains standing in the fight for victory.

For Mantz, the message is clear: he does not intend to wait for the race to come to him. He plans to be there when the battle begins. 

Only two men have ever won five of the Abbott World Marathon Majors: Eliud Kipchoge and Wilson Kipsang.

On Sunday, Benson Kipruto will have the opportunity to make that exclusive list even more Kenyan.

The 35-year-old already has four Major victories to his name, with triumphs in Tokyo, Boston, Chicago and New York. His latest came in spectacular fashion last November, when he edged compatriot Alexander Mutiso by just three hundredths of a second in one of the closest finishes in New York City Marathon history. Both were officially timed at 2:08:09, but Kipruto was declared the winner after an extraordinary sprint to the line.

That victory was more than another trophy. It demonstrated Kipruto’s ability to remain composed when the pressure is at its highest, then produce the decisive move when victory is measured in inches. Now, he returns to the streets of New York carrying a different kind of pressure: the chance to join one of the most exclusive clubs in marathon running.

Defending a New York City Marathon title is never a simple task. The course demands patience, strength and tactical intelligence, while the depth of the elite field leaves almost no room for a bad moment. Kipruto will have to overcome a lineup packed with proven championship performers and several athletes capable of producing a breakthrough performance.

Among his biggest challengers is Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta, who owns a 2:02:38 personal best, while Kenya’s CyBrian Kotut enters with a 2:03:22. American Conner Mantz brings a 2:04:43 national record to the start line, while former champions Geoffrey Kamworor and Abdi Nageeye add further experience to an already formidable field.

And then there is Andreas Almgren.

The Swedish star will make his marathon debut in New York after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most versatile distance runners. Almgren arrives as the European record-holder over 5,000m and half marathon and recently won the European 10,000m title in championship-record fashion. Rather than choosing an easier course for his first marathon, he has opted for the demanding streets of New York.

Kipruto, however, has already proved that he knows how to win on the biggest stages. His marathon personal best of 2:02:16 places him among the fastest men in the field, but his greatest weapon may be his racing experience. He has repeatedly shown that he can stay in contention deep into a race and deliver when the decisive moment arrives.

Now the equation is brutally simple.

Four Major victories have already established Kipruto among the elite of his generation. A fifth would move him alongside Kipchoge and Kipsang as only the third man in history to reach that milestone.

New York gave Kipruto one of the most dramatic victories of his career last year. On Sunday, the same streets could provide another defining chapter.

Can Benson Kipruto defend his New York title, conquer another world-class field and become only the third man ever to win five World Marathon Majors? 

Yaseen Abdalla delivered a remarkable performance at the Valencia Half Marathon on Sunday, October 25, 2026, running 59:12 to finish eighth overall and clock a time five seconds faster than the American half marathon record. However, despite producing a performance that would surpass the existing national record, the 25-year-old will not be officially recognised as the American record holder because he represents Sudan in international competition.

Born and raised in the United States, Abdalla has emerged as an exciting distance-running talent with the ability to compete against some of the world's best athletes. His performance in Valencia demonstrated his growing strength on the roads, taking him beyond the 59:17 American record established by Conner Mantz in Houston in January 2025.

Under USA Track & Field's eligibility rules, American records are reserved for athletes who are both United States citizens and eligible to represent the country at all levels of international competition. Although Abdalla was born in the United States, he competes internationally for Sudan, his parents' country of origin. Consequently, his outstanding performance cannot be recognised as an American record.

Instead, Abdalla's 59:12 stands as a Sudanese national record, improving the previous national mark by more than five minutes. The performance represents a significant milestone in his career and establishes him among the world's fastest half marathon runners in 2026.

His journey to this achievement has been shaped by years of development through the American collegiate athletics system. Abdalla competed for the University of Texas, where he helped the Longhorns win the NCAA indoor distance medley relay title in 2022, before continuing his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee and the University of Arkansas.

He has since progressed to international competition, representing Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. At the Paris Olympics, he finished 33rd in the marathon in 2:11:41, while he placed 21st at the World Championships in Tokyo in 2:13:32.

Valencia provided another opportunity to demonstrate his potential, this time over the half marathon distance. Competing against a deep international field on one of the world's fastest road-running courses, Abdalla maintained an impressive pace to complete the 21.1-kilometre race in less than one hour.

The result placed him eighth overall in a race won by Rodrigue Kwizera in 58:03. Abdalla finished ahead of several accomplished international competitors, underlining the quality of his performance on a morning that produced numerous outstanding times.

For American distance running, his achievement presents an unusual situation. A United States-born athlete has run faster than the country's existing half marathon record, yet the official record remains with Mantz because of Abdalla's international sporting allegiance.

Nevertheless, the significance of his performance extends beyond the record books. His 59:12 demonstrates the level he has reached as a distance runner and highlights his ability to compete among the world's elite.

For Sudan, the performance represents a major achievement, with Abdalla adding another national record to his growing collection. His existing records include 7:34.17 for 3,000 metres and 13:09.99 for 5,000 metres, both achieved indoors during his collegiate career.

At just 25, Abdalla still has considerable time to develop further across the longer distances. His latest performance suggests that the half marathon could become an important part of his future ambitions as he continues to build his international career.

In Valencia, Abdalla delivered a performance that would have rewritten American half marathon history under different eligibility circumstances. Instead, Conner Mantz retains the official United States record, while Abdalla takes home a Sudanese national record and a performance that speaks for itself.

The clock does not tell the entire story of Yaseen Abdalla's achievement. His 59:12 is a reminder that athletic excellence can transcend national borders, even when the rules governing record books draw a clear distinction between where an athlete is born and the country he represents.

Vinny Mauri delivered a remarkable performance at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, setting a new American record for 30 kilometers despite falling short of his ultimate goal of breaking the American marathon record.

The American distance runner clocked 1:28:15 at 30 kilometers, improving the previous national record of 1:28:24 set by Conner Mantz at the 2025 Chicago Marathon. Mauri achieved the milestone while pursuing an ambitious pace that initially put him in contention for a historic performance over the full 26.2-mile distance.

Mauri finished 10th overall in 2:06:45, placing third among American men in a highly competitive international field. His performance was particularly impressive given that he made his marathon debut only in April, running 2:05:54 and immediately establishing himself as an exciting prospect in American distance running.

Heading into Chicago, Clayton Young's announced attempt to challenge the American marathon record had drawn considerable attention to the race. However, Mauri also emerged as a serious contender, bringing an impressive debut performance and considerable ambition to the starting line. His aggressive approach added another compelling dimension to the battle among American runners.

Mauri ran with confidence from the opening kilometers, leading the American contingent through the early and middle stages of the race. His intermediate splits demonstrated the strength of his early effort, reaching 5 kilometers in 14:53, 10 kilometers in 29:39 and 15 kilometers in 44:24 before passing 20 kilometers in 59:03.

He reached the half-marathon point in 1:02:15 and continued to maintain an exceptional rhythm. At 25 kilometers, he clocked 1:13:31 before reaching 30 kilometers in 1:28:15, securing the American record at the distance. His performance underlined his ability to sustain an aggressive pace against a world-class field.

One of the most striking aspects of Mauri's race was his willingness to commit to the challenge rather than hold back in pursuit of a conservative finish. He remained on American marathon record pace for more than eight miles, putting himself firmly in the conversation as the race unfolded. His determination demonstrated both his confidence and his readiness to test his limits against established international competitors.

However, maintaining such an ambitious pace over the closing stages proved increasingly difficult. Mauri reached 35 kilometers in 1:43:42 and 40 kilometers in 1:59:50, with his pace slowing as the demands of the marathon took their toll. He ultimately crossed the finish line in 2:06:45, missing the American marathon record but completing another impressive performance in only his second race over the distance.

The progression of his race illustrated the fine margins involved in elite marathon running. Strong early splits can create an opportunity for a historic result, but sustaining that effort through the final kilometers requires exceptional endurance and precise pace management. Although Mauri could not maintain his record-breaking schedule to the finish, his 30K performance delivered a significant national milestone.

His rapid development is particularly encouraging for American distance running. A 2:05:54 marathon debut followed by a strong performance in Chicago, combined with a national record at 30 kilometers, gives Mauri valuable experience and a solid foundation for future campaigns. With further opportunities to refine his race strategy and manage his effort over the closing miles, he could become an increasingly prominent figure in American marathon running.

In Chicago, Mauri may have fallen short of the ultimate prize, but he left with a national record, a top-10 overall finish and third place among American men. His gutsy performance reinforced his growing reputation and provided another reason to follow his progress as he continues to pursue bigger goals on the international marathon stage.

At just 25 years old, American distance runner Vinny Mauri is quickly emerging as one of the most intriguing new names in marathon running. His remarkable breakthrough, achieved without a sponsor and while coaching himself, has transformed him from an ambitious runner balancing work and training into a rising professional athlete preparing to compete on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Mauri announced his arrival in spectacular fashion in April 2026, clocking an astonishing 2:05:54 at the Glass City Marathon in Toledo, Ohio. The performance marked an extraordinary marathon debut and was reported to be the fastest marathon debut by an American on a record-eligible course, immediately establishing him as a runner to watch.

What makes his achievement particularly compelling is the unconventional path he followed to reach that level. Before attracting national attention, Mauri was working at a local running store, managing his own training and pursuing his ambitions without the backing of a major sponsor. His journey demonstrates how determination, consistency and an unconventional approach can open doors in elite athletics.

One of the most fascinating elements of Mauri’s preparation has been his reliance on the treadmill. Rather than depending exclusively on outdoor miles, he reportedly completed a substantial portion of his training on commercial treadmills at Planet Fitness, building the endurance needed to make an immediate impact over the marathon distance.

His training volume has also attracted considerable attention, with reports indicating that he logged more than 130 miles per week. During his buildup for Chicago, he reportedly completed a remarkable 45-mile treadmill session, highlighting the extraordinary workload behind his rapid rise. His approach has become one of the defining features of his story, although such demanding training volumes are highly individual and require careful management.

Mauri’s breakthrough has already transformed his career. He has signed a professional contract with ASICS, moving from the ranks of unsponsored runners into the professional athletics scene. The agreement represents a significant milestone for an athlete who achieved his first major marathon breakthrough while coaching himself and balancing his running ambitions with employment.

His next challenge comes at the 2026 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11, where he will face a deep international field at one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Unlike his near-solo performance in Toledo, Chicago will present a different test, with experienced competitors, a highly competitive elite field and the pressure of racing shoulder to shoulder with some of the world's best marathoners.

The American record of 2:04:43, set by Conner Mantz, provides an important benchmark as the country's leading marathoners prepare for the race. Mauri is expected to test himself against the leading American contingent, although challenging the national record will require him to reproduce his outstanding debut performance in a much more demanding competitive environment.

There will also be considerable interest in how his unconventional preparation translates to race day. His treadmill-based training has demonstrated an unusual combination of high mileage, controlled pacing and sustained endurance work. However, the marathon remains unpredictable, and Chicago will test his ability to manage the pace, respond to competition and maintain his strength over the full 26.2 miles.

From running countless miles at a commercial gym to securing a professional contract and earning a place among the elite contenders in Chicago, Mauri has taken an extraordinary route into high-level marathon running. His rise challenges conventional expectations about how a successful professional career begins and highlights the many different paths through which exceptional talent can emerge.

Mauri has already proved that he possesses remarkable potential, but Chicago offers an opportunity to demonstrate that his breakthrough was more than a spectacular debut. As he prepares to line up against some of the world's finest marathoners, all eyes will be on whether the young American can turn his unconventional training methods and rapid rise into another memorable performance on the global stage.

The streets of Chicago are set for another spectacular marathon showdown, with Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo leading a world-class men’s field at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11.

Kiplimo returns to the Windy City as the defending champion and arrives with one of the most impressive marathon resumes in the world. He has a 2:00:28 personal best, making him one of the fastest marathoners in history and a major name to watch whenever the pace turns exceptionally quick.

The current world record stands at an astonishing 1:59:30, set by Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe in London in April 2026. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha also broke the two-hour barrier in the same race with 1:59:41, while Kiplimo finished third in 2:00:28.

That means Kiplimo would need another significant improvement in Chicago to challenge the world record, but his performances this year have shown that he belongs among the select group capable of pushing marathon running towards unprecedented territory.

The Ugandan will face a formidable challenge from Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, who has a 2:01:39 personal best. Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha follows with 2:03:17, while Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko has run 2:03:44. Ethiopia’s Asrar Hiyrden and Kenya’s Alex Masai are also among the leading contenders, with personal bests of 2:03:59 and 2:04:37 respectively.

There is also a major American-record storyline in Chicago. Charles Hicks, who owns a 2:04:35 personal best, headlines the American contingent alongside Clayton Young, Vincent Mauri, Galen Rupp and Abbabiya Simbassa.

The American record currently stands at 2:04:43, set by Conner Mantz at the 2025 Chicago Marathon. Hicks therefore arrives with a personal best already faster than that mark, adding another intriguing subplot to an exceptionally deep field.

The depth of the field means Kiplimo is unlikely to have a quiet day once the pace begins to build. Kipruto brings considerable marathon experience, while Mengesha, Mateiko, Hiyrden and the other leading contenders have the credentials to remain in contention deep into the race. With Chicago known for producing fast times, the battle could become a fascinating test of pace, positioning and finishing strength.

For Kiplimo, the race represents another opportunity to strengthen his credentials over the marathon. The Ugandan has already demonstrated remarkable speed and endurance across different distances, and Chicago could provide another stage for him to test just how close he can get to the sport’s ultimate barrier.

With several elite athletes capable of running at extraordinary speeds, fans can expect the 2026 edition to deliver plenty of drama from the opening kilometres to the famous finish on Columbus Drive.

World record? American record? Or another unforgettable Chicago finish? The answers will come on October 11.

The United States enjoyed a remarkable day at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, securing team medals in both the men’s and women’s half marathon competitions.

The American men claimed bronze in the team standings, while the women produced a historic performance to win silver and secure Team USA’s first-ever women’s team medal at the World Road Running Championships.

Leading the way for the American men was Conner Mantz, who finished 12th individually in 1:00:08, clocking a season’s best to spearhead the American challenge over the 21.1-kilometre distance.

For Mantz, the performance carried added significance as he continues his comeback from injury. His 1:00:08 season’s best provided a strong return to championship-level competition and an important tune-up as he prepares to take on the New York City Marathon in November.

Mantz’s performance also proved crucial to Team USA’s team medal effort, with his 12th-place finish providing the foundation for the Americans to secure bronze in the men’s standings.

Ahmed Muhumed followed closely in 13th place, crossing the finish line in 1:00:15. The performance marked a significant breakthrough for Muhumed, who lowered his previous best by 48 seconds in a major championship setting.

Wesley Kiptoo completed the American scoring trio, placing 23rd in 1:01:11. Kiptoo also produced a season’s best, contributing another important performance to the United States’ team effort.

The combined performances of Mantz, Muhumed and Kiptoo were enough to place the United States third in the men’s team standings, securing a hard-earned bronze medal in Copenhagen.

For Muhumed, the race was one of the biggest breakthroughs of the day, with his 1:00:15 representing a 48-second improvement on his previous best. Kiptoo’s season-best 1:01:11 further strengthened the American challenge and helped convert three individual performances into a place on the global podium.

On the women’s side, Team USA made history by placing three athletes inside the top seven, earning its first-ever women’s team medal at the World Road Running Championships.

Emma Grace Hurley led the American women with a sensational fifth-place finish in 1:06:23. The performance was a huge personal best, taking more than a minute off her previous best of 1:07:35 and moving her to No. 3 on the U.S. all-time half marathon list.

Hurley also finished as the first American across the line, delivering one of the standout performances of the championship for the United States.

Weini Kelati Frezghi followed in sixth place, clocking 1:06:35 and ensuring that Team USA had two athletes inside the top six. Jessica McClain completed the scoring trio in seventh, stopping the clock at 1:06:53.

McClain’s performance represented another major breakthrough. She entered Copenhagen with a half marathon personal best of 1:08:37 but improved that mark by nearly two minutes, producing a remarkable 1:06:53 and moving to No. 6 on the U.S. all-time list.

With Hurley, Kelati Frezghi and McClain all finishing inside the top seven, the American women combined their individual performances to secure a historic team silver medal.

The achievement gave Team USA a remarkable double podium finish in the half marathon team competitions, with the men taking bronze and the women claiming silver.

Beyond the medals, Copenhagen provided a showcase of individual breakthroughs for the American distance runners. Hurley moved into the top three on the U.S. all-time list, while McClain made an equally significant leap into sixth, as Mantz added another season’s best during his return from injury.

For Mantz, the Copenhagen race now serves as an important stepping stone toward the New York City Marathon in November, giving him a competitive test and a confidence-building performance as he continues his return to top-level racing.

It was a memorable championship outing for Team USA, with strong individual performances translating into two team medals and a landmark first for the American women at the World Road Running Championships.

The stage is set for a spectacular men’s half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 26, with some of the world’s leading distance runners preparing to battle for global honours on Sunday, September 20.

Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir headlines the field with a remarkable personal best of 58:08, the fastest mark among the athletes entered.

Kipkorir will face a formidable challenge from compatriot Gideon Kipkertich Rono, who owns a 58:38 personal best. Sweden’s Andreas Almgren also brings an exceptional 58:41 to the start line, while Ethiopia’s Tadese Worku has a 58:59 personal best.

Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa adds another major name to the field with a national record of 59:01, while Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo enters with a 59:04 personal best and valuable championship experience.

Ebenyo won silver at the 2023 World Road Running Championships in Riga and will be looking to challenge for another medal in Copenhagen.

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei will bring enormous championship pedigree to the race. The Olympic and multiple world champion has a half marathon best of 59:21, making him another athlete capable of featuring prominently in the battle for the medals.

The American challenge will be led by Conner Mantz, who owns a 59:15 personal best. France’s Etienne Daguinos, Portugal’s Samuel Barata, Ethiopia’s Bereket Nega, France’s Jimmy Gressier, Canada’s Rory Linkletter, Australia’s Jack Rayner and Morocco’s Mohamed Reda El Aaraby further strengthen an already formidable international field.

Kenya will have particular interest in the championship, with several of its leading road runners lining up against some of the best athletes from Europe, Africa, North America, Asia and Oceania.

The race will be contested over the traditional 21.0975-kilometre distance, with the elite men scheduled to start at 9:45 a.m. local time on Sunday, September 20.

Leading Athletes And Personal Bests

1. Nicholas Kipkorir (Kenya) — 58:08

2. Gideon Kipkertich Rono (Kenya) — 58:38

3. Andreas Almgren (Sweden) — 58:41

4. Tadese Worku (Ethiopia) — 58:59

5. Yemaneberhan Crippa (Italy) — 59:01

6. Daniel Simiu Ebenyo (Kenya) — 59:04

7. Alex Nzioka Matata (Kenya) — 59:11

8. Conner Mantz (USA) — 59:15

9. Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) — 59:21

10. Etienne Daguinos (France) — 59:27

11. Samuel Barata (Portugal) — 59:40

12. Bereket Nega (Ethiopia) — 59:43

13. Jimmy Gressier (France) — 59:45

14. Rory Linkletter (Canada) — 59:49

15. Peter Lynch (Ireland) — 59:52

16. Jack Rayner (Australia) — 59:53

17. Mohamed Reda El Aaraby (Morocco) — 59:54

18. Hillary Bor (USA) — 59:55

19. Zerei Kbrom Mezngi (Norway) — 1:00:01

20. Bastien Augusto (France) — 1:00:09

21. Mande Bushendich (Uganda) — 1:00:14

22. Jack Rowe (Great Britain) — 1:00:17

23. Cameron Levins (Canada) — 1:00:18

24. Ogikubo Tomoya (Japan) — 1:00:22

25. Bayelign Teshager (Ethiopia) — 1:00:22

26. Elroy Gelant (South Africa) — 1:00:22

27. Célestin Ndikumana (Burundi) — 1:00:23

28. Said Mechaal (Spain) — 1:00:24

29. Nishizawa Yuma (Japan) — 1:00:26

30. Namiki Neo (Japan) — 1:00:29

31. Othmane El Goumri (Morocco) — 1:00:30

32. Inyasi Nicodemus Sulley (Tanzania) — 1:00:31

33. Wesley Kiptoo (USA) — 1:00:34

34. Haftu Strintzos (Australia) — 1:00:36

35. Filmon Tesfu (Netherlands) — 1:00:38

36. Mustapha Akkaoui (Morocco) — 1:00:38

With such remarkable depth, the championship could remain finely poised until the closing stages. The presence of multiple sub-59-minute runners, experienced championship performers and strong finishers sets the scene for a race in which positioning, tactics and the ability to respond to late surges could prove decisive.

For Kipkorir, Ebenyo and their Kenyan teammates, Copenhagen provides an opportunity to turn impressive personal credentials into championship medals. But with a world-class field assembled behind them, the final outcome will only be determined when the leading runners reach the finish line.

Less than a year ago, Conner Mantz was rewriting American distance-running history. Now, after months of injury, rehabilitation and rebuilding, the American record holder is preparing for another major test — this time on the world stage in Copenhagen.

On October 12, 2025, Mantz produced the performance of his career at the Chicago Marathon, running 2:04:43 to break Khalid Khannouchi’s long-standing American record of 2:05:38, set in London in 2002. The performance made Mantz the fastest American marathoner in history and confirmed his place among the country’s elite distance runners.

But what followed was far removed from the glory of Chicago.

Only weeks after the marathon, Mantz began experiencing hip pain that was eventually diagnosed as a sacral stress fracture. The injury forced him away from running for 12 weeks and disrupted what had been shaping up to be another important season. He ultimately withdrew from the 2026 Boston Marathon during race week after acknowledging that his fitness had not returned sufficiently.

Rather than forcing the comeback, Mantz had to rebuild from the ground up.

Swimming became a major part of that process. Long sessions in the pool gradually became faster, with his pace progressing from around 1:43 per 100 yards to below 1:30. Some sessions stretched close to three hours. Cycling also became part of his training, while running was carefully introduced whenever his body allowed it — and stopped whenever the injury demanded caution.

For an athlete accustomed to racing at the highest level, it was a frustrating period of patience.

Mantz finally returned to competition at the ASICS Falmouth Road Race in August, almost ten months after his historic Chicago performance. He finished as the second American, a result that may not have been the comeback statement he wanted, but was nevertheless an important step forward.

Now comes a much bigger examination.

On Sunday, September 20, Mantz will line up in Copenhagen for the men's half marathon at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships. It will be his first global championship appearance since the Paris 2024 Olympics.

And Mantz is not arriving merely as another member of the American team. He is the reigning American record holder in the half marathon.

That record came in 2025, when he ran 59:17 in Houston to erase Ryan Hall's 59:43 American record, which had stood for 18 years.

In the same year, Mantz would go on to claim the American marathon record as well.

Two national records. One extraordinary season. Then an injury that forced him to step away from the racing world for months.

Now, the question is no longer simply how fast Mantz can run on his best day. It is about what remains after everything he has been through.

Copenhagen offers the perfect stage for that answer. With the world's best runners gathered for a global title, Mantz will have the opportunity to measure himself against the strongest competition while continuing his journey back to his best.

He has already shown that he can break records. He has already shown that he can compete with the world's best.

This time, he is simply trying to rediscover the runner who did it.

Records can redefine the ceiling. Injuries can force an athlete to rediscover the foundation. On Sunday in Copenhagen, we will find out just how much of the old Conner Mantz is back — and how much stronger the journey has made him.

Jimmy Gressier is preparing to take on one of the most intriguing challenges of the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen — competing in both the men’s 5km and half-marathon, with less than a day separating the two races.

The French star is listed for the 5km on September 19 at 2:40 p.m., before returning to action for the half-marathon at 9:45 a.m. the following morning. That gives him just 19 hours and five minutes between races.

It is a remarkable contrast. One race is expected to last less than 13 minutes for Gressier; the other could keep him racing for around an hour. His personal bests tell the same story: 12:51 for 5km, equivalent to roughly 4:08 per mile, and 59:45 for the half-marathon, or about 4:33 per mile.

And the difference in his standing on the two start lists is striking.

In the 5km, Gressier enters as the fastest man in the field of 63 athletes. His sensational 12:51 in Lille in April made him the European record-holder and moved him to within just two seconds of the world record. Ethiopia’s Addisu Yihune is the only other athlete entered with a faster mark than 13 minutes, having run 12:54, while no other competitor has broken 13:06 this year.

The half-marathon presents a completely different challenge.

Gressier’s 59:45 personal best places him 13th on the entry list, with 12 athletes boasting faster lifetime performances. Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir leads that group with 58:08, while Sweden’s Andreas Almgren arrives with the European record of 58:41. Gideon Kipkertich Rono has run 58:38, Tadese Worku 58:47, while the field also includes major names such as Joshua Cheptegei, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo, Yemaneberhan Crippa and Conner Mantz.

Adding another layer of intrigue, Gressier has not raced a half-marathon in 2026.

Yet this is far from unfamiliar territory for the Frenchman.

Gressier has already demonstrated that he can excel over 21.1 kilometres. His 59:45 came when he won the European half-marathon title in Brussels-Leuven in April 2025, defeating Norway’s Awet Nftalem Kibrab by 1:23. He also finished fifth at the 2023 World Half Marathon Championships in Riga, clocking 59:46.

That makes Copenhagen’s unusual schedule particularly important.

When the inaugural World Road Running Championships were held in Riga three years ago, the elite races were compressed into a single afternoon, making a 5km-and-half-marathon double far more difficult to contemplate. Copenhagen has instead spread the competitions across the weekend, creating a window that allows athletes such as Gressier to attempt something far more ambitious.

He will not be alone. Ten athletes on the final entry lists have entered two races, but Gressier’s combination is arguably among the most demanding because of the intensity with which he attacks both distances.

There is also a powerful reminder of what Gressier can produce when the stakes are highest.

At last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, he produced a breathtaking finish to claim the 10,000m world title, edging Yomif Kejelcha by just 0.06 seconds. His own description of that dramatic finish captured his competitive instinct perfectly: he had targeted a medal, moved into third on the home straight, then surged through second before taking gold.

Now, Gressier is preparing for another test of versatility.

First comes the explosive 5km, where he arrives as the fastest man on paper and one of the biggest threats to the world’s best. Then, barely 19 hours later, comes the half-marathon — a race filled with established road-running specialists and several athletes with considerably faster credentials.

Two races. Two very different challenges. One extraordinary weekend.

In Copenhagen, Jimmy Gressier will find out just how far his remarkable range can take him. 

Andreas Almgren has spent the past two seasons transforming himself into one of Europe’s most formidable distance runners. Now, the Swedish star is ready to take on an entirely new challenge — the marathon.

Fresh from a commanding European 10,000m triumph in Birmingham, Almgren has confirmed that he will make his marathon debut at the TCS New York City Marathon on November 1. The decision adds another intriguing chapter to a remarkable rise that has seen him repeatedly rewrite the European record books.

The 31-year-old owns European records of 12:44.27 for 5,000m, 26:45 for 10km on the road and 58:41 for the half marathon — extraordinary marks that underline both his speed and his growing endurance. His 26:45 in Valencia in January 2026 lowered his own European 10km record, while his 58:41 in Valencia last October made him the first European athlete to break the 59-minute barrier for the half marathon.

His latest achievement came in Birmingham, where Almgren produced one of the most dominant performances of the European Championships. He stormed to the 10,000m title in 27:23.44, setting a championship record and adding a major senior title to the World Championships bronze medal he won over the same distance in Tokyo last year.

Yet his choice of New York for his first marathon is what makes the announcement particularly fascinating.

Rather than selecting a traditionally fast, flat course where a debutant can concentrate almost exclusively on the clock, Almgren has chosen one of the most demanding and tactically complex marathons on the calendar. The New York course takes runners through all five boroughs and across five bridges before the finish in Central Park, combining repeated climbs, descents, turns and constantly changing race dynamics.

It is a course that rewards patience, strength and tactical intelligence as much as raw speed. For Almgren, whose career has been built around racing at the highest level rather than simply accumulating fast times, the setting could provide a fascinating test of how his exceptional track and road credentials translate to 42.195 kilometres.

And he will not be entering a quiet debut race. The 2026 field features defending men's champion Benson Kipruto, former champion Geoffrey Kamworor, Dutch star Abdi Nageeye, American contenders Conner Mantz and Zouhair Talbi, as well as several other elite marathoners. Almgren is one of a small group of high-profile athletes making their marathon debuts in New York.

The race will also mark the 50th anniversary of the modern five-borough New York City Marathon course, adding even greater significance to an already prestigious occasion. With Almgren bringing European-record credentials, a fresh continental title and the confidence of a breakthrough period behind him, his first encounter with the marathon promises to be one of the most closely watched stories of the autumn road-racing season.

For a runner who has already conquered the track and rewritten the European road-running record books, New York represents the beginning of another journey.

On November 1, the question will no longer be how fast Andreas Almgren can run 5,000m, 10km or a half marathon.

It will be how far that extraordinary speed and endurance can carry him over 42.195 kilometres through the streets of New York.

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated editions in recent history, with New York Road Runners unveiling a remarkable men’s professional field that brings together the two fastest American marathoners ever on the same starting line.

The race, scheduled for November 1, will feature American record-holder Conner Mantz (2:04:43) and Zouhair Talbi (2:03:45), whose performance at the 2026 Boston Marathon is the fastest marathon ever run by an American by clock time. However, because Boston is not a record-eligible course, Talbi’s mark does not replace Mantz’s official American record.

Mantz established the American record with his 2:04:43 fourth-place finish at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, breaking a national record that had stood since 2002. Talbi went even faster in Boston in April, crossing the line fifth in 2:03:45 and adding another extraordinary chapter to the rapid evolution of American marathon running.

That makes New York particularly intriguing. For the first time, the two men who occupy the top two positions on the all-time American marathon performance list will have the opportunity to race each other over a record-eligible course, with the streets of New York providing the stage.

And the American showdown will be only one part of a much bigger battle.

The international challenge is formidable. Defending champion Benson Kipruto (2:02:16) leads the field, followed by Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta (2:02:38) and Kenya’s CyBrian Kotut (2:03:22). The lineup also includes the Netherlands’ Abdi Nageeye (2:04:20), Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor (2:04:23), Italy’s Iliass Aouani (2:04:26) and Ethiopia’s Huseydin Mohamed Esa (2:04:39).

Just behind that group is Japan’s Kengo Suzuki (2:04:56), Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa (2:05:18), Kenya’s Edward Cheserek (2:05:24) and Japan’s Ryota Kondo (2:05:39). Ireland’s Peter Lynch (2:06:08), Great Britain’s Patrick Dever (2:06:18), Australia’s Haftu Strintzos (2:06:20) and Britain’s Jack Rowe (2:07:47) further strengthen a field that possesses extraordinary depth.

The American contingent is just as fascinating. Alongside Mantz and Talbi are Ryan Ford (2:05:46), Joe Klecker (2:05:56), Casey Clinger (2:08:43), Sam Chelanga (2:08:50), JP Flavin (2:09:17), Jared Ward (2:09:25), Turner Wiley (2:09:27), Andrew Colley (2:09:33), Robert Miranda (2:09:40) and Joel Reichow (2:09:56).

The depth continues with Aidan Troutner (2:10:23), JP Trojan (2:10:39), Paul Chelimo (2:10:55), Stephen Jones (2:11:17), Mo Bati (2:12:29), Aidan Reed (2:13:58), Owen Ritz (2:14:19), Merga Gemeda (2:15:12), Alec Baldwin (2:15:38) and Ryan Cutter (2:17:24). Australia’s James Nipperess (2:15:03) and Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo (2:08:50) are also on the start list.

Three athletes will make their marathon debuts in New York: Sweden’s Andreas Almgren, Kenya’s Patrick Kiprop and American Ahmed Muhumed. Almgren, in particular, brings tremendous track credentials into his first attempt at 26.2 miles after winning the European 10,000m title in Birmingham in a championship-record 27:23.44.

The numbers tell the story of just how deep this field is. Ten men have personal bests faster than the existing New York City Marathon course record of 2:04:58, set by Tamirat Tola in 2023. Remarkably, Tola himself is not entered, nor is Alexander Mutiso, who finished runner-up to Kipruto in last year’s dramatic race.

For Mantz and Talbi, however, the stakes extend beyond the American record books. No American man has won the New York City Marathon since Meb Keflezighi in 2009, meaning the American contingent will arrive carrying a 17-year wait for another homegrown champion. Mantz and Talbi will have to overcome a formidable international field if either is to end that drought.

New York’s course will add another layer of difficulty. The bridges, sharp turns, rolling sections and notoriously demanding final miles toward Central Park have humbled some of the world’s fastest marathoners. Raw personal-best times will matter, but so will patience, positioning, tactical intelligence and the ability to produce a decisive move when the race reaches its most unforgiving stages.

With the official American record-holder, the fastest American by clock time, a defending champion, multiple 2:04 marathoners and a host of world-class contenders all converging on the Big Apple, the 2026 New York City Marathon has the ingredients of a classic.

On November 1, the streets of New York could become the setting for another extraordinary chapter in marathon history.

History was made on Sunday morning, August 16, 2026, as Eritrea’s Habtom Samuel produced a breathtaking performance at the Falmouth Road Race, becoming the first athlete in the event’s history to break the 31-minute barrier.

The 22-year-old Samuel, competing in his first Falmouth Road Race and only his second professional road race, turned an already remarkable debut into a piece of history. The former University of New Mexico standout completed his transition to the professional ranks following an undefeated collegiate season and has now opened his professional career with two victories.

The men’s race unfolded at a ferocious pace from the opening miles, with the leaders threatening the long-standing course record almost immediately. By the fifth mile, the contest had narrowed to a two-man duel between Samuel and Kenya’s Edwin Kurgat.

The pair remained together from the end of Surf Drive until around the turn onto Falmouth Heights Road, matching each other stride for stride as the race entered its decisive stages.

Then Samuel found another gear.

With roughly a mile remaining, the Eritrean surged decisively away from Kurgat and never looked back. He powered toward the finish with authority, creating an 11-second winning margin and stopping the clock in 30:54.

His performance shattered the previous course record of 31:08 and made him the first athlete ever to dip under 31 minutes at Falmouth.

The record had stood for more than two decades. Kenya’s Gilbert Okari first established the 31:08 mark in 2004, while compatriot Wesley Kiptoo equalled it in 2023. Samuel’s extraordinary run finally moved the benchmark into a new era.

“Breaking this course record in this amazing historical road race is awesome,” Samuel said. “I’m so proud of myself and I’m glad to be the first person able to run under 31 minutes.”

Samuel’s victory also continues a remarkable start to his professional career. After completing an undefeated campaign at the University of New Mexico, he made his road-racing debut at the Beach to Beacon 10K in Maine in July, where he immediately claimed victory. His Falmouth triumph now makes it two wins from two professional road races.

Kurgat, meanwhile, produced a performance that would have been enough to win every previous edition of the Falmouth Road Race. The 2019 champion crossed the line in a remarkable 31:04, finishing comfortably inside the former course-record mark despite being unable to match Samuel’s decisive late surge.

The American men also delivered a memorable battle behind the leading pair.

Zouhair Talbi, the American course-record holder at the Boston Marathon, and Conner Mantz, the American record holder in both the half marathon and marathon, spent much of the race locked together as they battled for the top American position.

Talbi ultimately prevailed, finishing third overall in 31:17 and setting a new American course record for the Falmouth course. It marked his best finish at the race, improving on last year’s fifth-place result.

Mantz followed closely in 31:19, also running faster than the previous American course record.

The result was a spectacular morning on Cape Cod, with the race producing a new overall course record, a historic first sub-31-minute performance and four men finishing faster than the previous 31:08 benchmark.

But above them all stood Samuel, whose remarkable surge in the final stages transformed a closely fought road race into one of the defining performances in Falmouth Road Race history.

Some victories are measured by stopwatches. Others are measured by life's most precious moments.

Just days after captivating the global running community with an astonishing mile performance while 38 weeks pregnant, American distance runner Kylie Mantz has celebrated the greatest milestone of her life—the arrival of her first child.

Kylie and her husband, U.S. marathon record holder Conner Mantz, have announced the birth of their baby boy, William. Both mother and son are doing wonderfully, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of athletics' most admired couples.

Only 10 days before giving birth, Kylie produced a performance that left runners and fans around the world in disbelief. At the BYU track, she ran an extraordinary 5:26.2 mile despite being in the final stages of pregnancy. The remarkable effort quickly spread across social media, earning widespread admiration for her resilience, determination, and confidence in listening to her body while continuing to pursue the sport she loves.

The unforgettable mile was only the latest highlight in an already extraordinary journey.

Last November, Kylie made an unforgettable marathon debut by winning the Two Cities Marathon in an impressive 2:43:49. What made the victory even more remarkable was the discovery weeks later that she had unknowingly completed the entire race while pregnant—a revelation that added another remarkable chapter to her inspiring story.

From winning a marathon under extraordinary circumstances to inspiring millions with a breathtaking late-pregnancy mile, Kylie has demonstrated that strength in sport extends far beyond medals and finish lines. Her journey has become a powerful reminder that determination, courage, and motherhood can coexist in truly remarkable ways.

As Kylie embraces motherhood and Conner begins life as a first-time father, the Mantz family's remarkable journey has entered a beautiful new chapter. After months of inspiring performances, unforgettable milestones, and worldwide admiration, their greatest story is no longer being written on the track—but at home with baby William, where a brand-new adventure has just begun.

Just days before becoming a mother, Kylie Mantz delivered one final athletic statement that has captured the admiration of the running world.

At 38 weeks pregnant, Mantz stepped onto the track in Provo, Utah, for an all-out mile effort, proving that pregnancy and elite-level determination can coexist when guided by experience, careful preparation, and medical awareness.

With pacemakers setting the rhythm and a film crew documenting the remarkable occasion, Mantz covered the mile in an impressive 5:26.2 at an altitude of 1,402 metres (4,600 feet). Adjusted for elevation, the performance is roughly equivalent to 5:22 at sea level—an extraordinary achievement for an athlete just days away from giving birth.

Watching proudly from the sidelines was her husband, Conner Mantz, the North American marathon record holder, whose own career has made him one of the continent's premier distance runners. Together, the couple has shared an unforgettable chapter that has blended family life with athletic excellence.

Reflecting on the moment, Kylie wrote on Instagram:

"We started this pregnancy with a marathon, we're ending it with a mile."

The statement is far more than a poetic caption—it tells the remarkable story of her pregnancy.

Last November, Kylie made her marathon debut at the Two Cities Marathon in Fresno, California, where she claimed victory in 2:43:49. Only after crossing the finish line did she discover that she had unknowingly completed the entire race while pregnant, making the triumph even more memorable.

Her rise in competitive running has been equally inspiring. Although she had always been active, Kylie only began training seriously after marrying Conner in 2022. Her rapid improvement saw her earn a place as a walk-on athlete with the BYU track and cross-country programme in the spring of 2025.

She quickly established herself with standout performances, recording 34:57 for the 10,000 metres and 16:49 for the 5,000 metres, signalling her emergence as one of the sport's promising distance runners.

Pregnancy, however, did not bring her athletic ambitions to a halt. Under careful supervision, she continued training while listening closely to her body, ultimately deciding to celebrate the final weeks before motherhood with a memorable mile on the track.

After crossing the finish line, Mantz reflected on the experience with her characteristic positivity.

"I stuck with the girls, I was very aware and I took every lap as a win. One thing I did wrong? I should have done it last week."

Her comments perfectly captured the mindset behind the effort—not chasing records, but embracing every stride as a celebration of strength, resilience, and the incredible capabilities of the human body.

Now, with her due date only hours or days away, the next milestone awaiting Kylie Mantz is no longer on the track but in the delivery room.

Her unforgettable 5:26 mile at 38 weeks pregnant stands as a powerful reminder that every athlete's journey is unique. Combining elite fitness, careful decision-making, and unwavering determination, Mantz has created a moment that will be remembered as one of the most remarkable stories of the year in distance running.

USA Track & Field has officially announced a formidable roster for the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships, set to take place on September 19–20 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Featuring a blend of American record holders, global finalists, and rising distance-running stars, Team USA heads into the championships with ambitions of challenging for medals across the mile, 5K, and half marathon events.

Leading the American charge are three national record holders whose presence immediately elevates the strength of the squad. From the road to the track, the United States has assembled one of its deepest and most versatile teams in recent years, reflecting the continued rise of American distance running on the global stage.

The women’s half marathon selection, however, comes with unusual circumstances following dramatic scenes at the USATF Half Marathon Championships. With just over a mile remaining in the race, the lead vehicle veered off course, unintentionally directing several athletes away from the official route and creating widespread confusion among the contenders.

As a result, USATF confirmed that official team scoring for the championships will be restricted to American record holder Weini Kelati alongside the three athletes directly affected by the course error — Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley, and Ednah Kurgat.

Despite crossing the line as the top three finishers at the national championships, Molly Born, Carrie Ellwood, and Annie Rodenfels were granted entry to the world championships through a special World Athletics exception. While the trio will be eligible to compete in Copenhagen, they will not qualify for medals or prize money. Their performances, however, will still count toward official world ranking points — an important detail in the buildup to future global competitions.

Kelati’s inclusion provides a major boost for the American women’s squad. The Eritrean-born star has rapidly become one of the most dominant distance runners in U.S. history, and her record-breaking performances continue to redefine American standards in road racing.

On the men’s side, Conner Mantz headlines a dangerous half marathon lineup that also features Wesley Kiptoo, Hillary Bor, and Ahmed Muhumed. Mantz has developed into one of the world’s premier road racers in recent seasons, and his aggressive racing style could make him a serious podium threat on the streets of Copenhagen.

The 5K teams also bring considerable firepower. Karissa Schweizer and Courtney Frerichs will spearhead the women’s challenge, while Drew Hunter and Dylan Jacobs line up for the men. Both squads combine championship experience with tactical versatility, qualities that will be crucial in the fast and unpredictable nature of road racing championships.

In the mile events, American middle-distance depth is once again on full display. Addy Wiley and Gracie Hyde will represent the women, while global star Yared Nuguse leads the men alongside Vincent Ciattei. Nuguse, already established as one of the finest milers in the world, arrives as one of Team USA’s biggest medal hopes.

With a roster packed with proven performers and emerging talent, the United States appears determined to make a major statement in Copenhagen. The championships promise two days of intense competition, and Team USA will arrive carrying both momentum and expectation as the world’s best road runners converge in Denmark.

Full Team USA Roster – 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships

Women’s Half Marathon

1. Weini Kelati

2. Jess McClain

3. Emma Grace Hurley

4. Ednah Kurgat

5. Molly Born

6. Carrie Ellwood

7. Annie Rodenfels

Men’s Half Marathon

1. Conner Mantz

2. Wesley Kiptoo

3. Hillary Bor

4. Ahmed Muhumed

Women’s 5K

1. Karissa Schweizer

2. Courtney Frerichs

Men’s 5K

1. Drew Hunter

2. Dylan Jacobs

Women’s Mile

1. Addy Wiley

2. Gracie Hyde

Men’s Mile

1. Yared Nuguse

2. Vincent Ciattei

In just the second marathon of his young career, Charles Hicks has already placed himself among the fastest American marathoners in history.

The 24-year-old ran 2:04:35 to finish seventh at the 2026 Boston Marathon, recording the second-fastest marathon ever by an American man. On a course that does not qualify for record purposes, Hicks’ performance still stands as a major statement—one that confirms his rapid rise in the sport.

Boston is not a place where fast times come easily. The point-to-point course, unpredictable weather, and late-race challenges make it one of the most difficult marathons in the world to master. Yet Hicks handled it with the composure of a far more experienced runner, staying competitive with a deep international field and closing strong over the final miles.

What makes the performance even more impressive is how quickly it has come. 

Hicks made his marathon debut in New York, where he finished sixth, immediately showing that he could compete at the highest level. In Boston, he nearly matched that placing while significantly improving his time, taking a major step forward in just his second attempt at the distance.

At 24, Hicks represents the next wave of American distance running—young, fearless, and capable of producing world-class performances early in his career. His 2:04:35 places him in elite company and signals that he may have even more to come as he gains experience.

His progression also highlights the depth currently building in American marathoning. With athletes like Zouhair Talbi, Conner Mantz, and Clayton Young pushing the front, Hicks now firmly joins that group as a runner to watch on the global stage.

Boston has long been a proving ground, and Hicks passed the test in emphatic fashion. 

This was not just a strong performance.

It was the kind of run that suggests a major career is just beginning.

At the 2026 Boston Marathon, a new name moved firmly into the spotlight of American distance running.

Zouhair Talbi, racing under the U.S. flag for the first time as a newly minted citizen, delivered one of the most remarkable performances ever by an American on the historic Boston course. Finishing fifth overall in 2:03:45, Talbi did more than place among the world’s best—he ran faster than any American ever has in Boston Marathon history.

While Boston’s point-to-point course prevents official record status, the performance stands as a powerful statement. Talbi’s time eclipsed the long-standing benchmark set by Ryan Hall, whose 2:04:58 in 2011 had defined the upper limit of American success on this course for over a decade.

Talbi’s rise has been steady, but in 2026 it has become undeniable

Earlier this year, he captured the Houston Marathon title in 2:05:45, instantly placing himself among the fastest American marathoners of all time. That performance signaled his arrival. Boston confirmed it.

What makes Talbi’s story especially compelling is his journey. Born in Morocco, he came to the United States to attend Oklahoma City University, where he developed both academically and athletically. Over time, the U.S. became home. In 2025, he officially became an American citizen.

Now, less than a year later, he has already etched his name into American marathon history.

Talbi also serves in the United States Army Reserve, balancing elite-level training with military service—another layer that speaks to both discipline and commitment. His progression reflects a blend of international roots and American opportunity, a combination that is increasingly shaping the modern landscape of U.S. distance running.

His Boston performance did not come in isolation. It came in one of the deepest and fastest eras the sport has seen, where American men are once again pushing toward global relevance. Talbi now stands alongside the likes of Conner Mantz and Clayton Young as part of a group redefining what is possible.

But Boston felt different.

There was no hesitation, no sign that he was simply aiming to compete. Talbi ran with authority, positioning himself among the leaders and holding strong through the late miles on a course that punishes even the most experienced runners.

Fifth place at Boston is always meaningful. Fifth place in 2:03:45 changes the conversation entirely.

For American distance running, it signals something bigger than one result. It suggests that the ceiling is rising again.

Zouhair Talbi is no longer a developing talent.

He is now a central figure in the future of the American marathon.

With just three weeks remaining until the iconic Boston Marathon 2026 takes center stage on April 20, the race narrative has already been dramatically rewritten. What once appeared to be a deep and stable elite lineup is now shifting rapidly, as a wave of high-profile withdrawals reshapes both the men’s and women’s fields.

The most notable development is the withdrawal of American record holder Conner Mantz. Once considered a leading home contender, Mantz confirmed he will not compete after struggling to regain full fitness following a sacral stress fracture and other setbacks. His decision reflects a long-term focus—choosing patience over risking a return before peak condition.

The shake-up does not end there. Kenyan legend Vivian Cheruiyot has also officially pulled out, dealing a significant blow to the women’s race. She is joined on the withdrawal list by American marathon star Keira D'Amato, Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri, and U.S. distance runner Biya Simbassa.

This cluster of late exits has thinned the field’s depth and removed several experienced contenders, leaving both races more open and tactically unpredictable.

Yet amid the withdrawals, a new force has emerged. Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha has been added late to the men’s field, bringing with him a formidable personal best of 2:03:17. His inclusion injects fresh intensity into the race and positions him as a serious contender capable of disrupting the established order.

With Mantz no longer in the picture, the men’s race now leans heavily on proven champions. Kenya’s Benson Kipruto—the 2021 Boston winner and reigning New York City Marathon champion—returns with confidence and experience. Standing opposite him is Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma, the defending champion determined to hold onto his title on Boston’s demanding course.

What once seemed like a straightforward clash of elite names has evolved into something far more compelling. The withdrawals have not diminished the race—they have transformed it. With gaps to fill and opportunities emerging, the 2026 edition now promises a battle defined by resilience, tactics, and the unexpected.

As Boston prepares for another unforgettable Patriots’ Day, anticipation continues to build. The script has changed—but the stakes may be higher than ever.

In a significant development ahead of one of the world’s most prestigious road races, American distance star Conner Mantz has officially withdrawn from the 130th edition of the Boston Marathon, scheduled for this April. The announcement comes as a disappointment not only to Mantz himself, but also to fans and analysts who had anticipated a strong showing from the rising marathon force.

Mantz, who holds a personal best of 2:04:42 and has rapidly established himself as a central figure in American distance running, cited concerns over his current fitness as the primary reason behind his decision. In a candid statement, he acknowledged that his preparation had not reached the level required to compete at his best on Boston’s demanding course.

“Unfortunately, my fitness has not progressed well enough for me to be able to race the upcoming Boston Marathon at my best,” Mantz shared. “I am very disappointed, but I look forward to being back racing soon.”

His withdrawal reshapes the competitive dynamics of this year’s race, removing one of the key contenders from the elite men’s field. Known for his aggressive racing style and steady progression on the global stage, Mantz was widely expected to challenge both domestic and international rivals in Boston—a race renowned for its tactical complexity and unforgiving terrain.

The decision, however, reflects a growing trend among elite athletes prioritizing long-term performance over short-term participation. By stepping back now, Mantz preserves the opportunity to return at full strength later in the season, rather than risking an underwhelming performance or potential injury.

While his absence will undoubtedly be felt, it also opens the door for other contenders to seize the spotlight in Boston. The marathon remains a cornerstone of the global athletics calendar, and this year’s edition promises to deliver compelling narratives despite the late change in the lineup.

For Mantz, the focus now shifts to recovery, recalibration, and a return to racing form. If his trajectory thus far is any indication, this setback may prove only a brief pause in what is shaping up to be a remarkable career.

The Osaka Marathon, held February 22, 2026, in Osaka, Japan, produced one of the most significant American marathon performances of the year. While the race featured a deep international field and fast times at the front, the biggest story for U.S. distance running came from former BYU athlete Ethan Shuley.

Shuley ran 2:07:14, a performance that now ranks as the seventh-fastest marathon ever by an American on a record-eligible course 

Just two years ago, Shuley’s personal best stood at 2:20:53, making his rise particularly striking. During the 2025 season he began to show major progress, running 2:18:13 for fifth place at the Nagano Marathon in April before finishing second at the Kobe Marathon in November with 2:11:30. In Osaka he took another massive step forward, slicing more than four minutes off that mark.

Shuley’s path to elite running is far from traditional. The American is currently based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, where he studies film while continuing to train and compete. He shares much of his training and life in Japan on his YouTube channel, offering a rare look into the life of a developing international marathoner. 

His coaching situation is equally unconventional. Shuley works remotely—sometimes even communicating through Instagram—with coach Isaac Wood.

The Osaka Marathon has built a reputation as one of Asia’s premier road races, known for producing fast times and attracting strong international competition. The 2026 edition continued that tradition, with elite runners battling through cool conditions on a course that winds through the heart of the city.

While international athletes claimed the overall titles, Shuley’s performance stood out as one of the most important American results of the year and immediately placed him among the country’s top marathoners.

Fastest American Marathons

(Record-Eligible Courses) Because the Boston Marathon is a point-to-point course with significant net downhill, performances there are not eligible for records. The following marks were run on courses that meet international record standards.

1. Conner Mantz – 2:04:43 (Chicago 2025)

2. Khalid Khannouchi – 2:05:38 (London 2002)

3. Zouhair Talbi – 2:05:45 (Houston 2026)

4. Galen Rupp – 2:06:07 (Prague 2018)

5. Ryan Hall – 2:06:17 (London 2008)

6. Biya Simbassa – 2:06:53 (Valencia 2024)

7. Ethan Shuley – 2:07:14 (Osaka 2026)

Breaking into this list is no small achievement. It places Shuley alongside some of the most accomplished runners in U.S. marathon history.

For now, Osaka may be remembered as the race where a new American contender officially arrived. If Shuley’s trajectory continues, this performance could be only the beginning.

MANCHESTER, Connecticut — Edwin Kurgat and Weini Kelati delivered commanding performances on Thursday morning, claiming victory at the 89th edition of the storied Manchester Road Race. Clear, cool weather set the stage as the two Flagstaff-based athletes dominated the 4.737-mile loop through downtown Manchester—a Thanksgiving tradition that blends elite competition with a festive community atmosphere.

Kurgat stormed to the men’s title in a record-breaking 20:54, eclipsing the previous mark of 21:04 set by Conner Mantz in 2022. In the women’s race, Kelati secured an extraordinary five-peat, crossing the line in 23:18. While short of her own course record of 22:55 from 2021, her consistency and dominance reaffirmed her status as one of America’s top road runners.

This year’s race attracted 12,386 registrants, continuing the event’s strong post-COVID resurgence. The “massive field,” as race officials described it, featured defending men’s champion Andrew Colley, 2023 champion Morgan Beadlescomb, Kelati, and world-class Kenyan standout Dorcus Ewoi—further cementing Manchester’s reputation as one of the premier road races in the United States.

The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon delivered one of the most thrilling editions in its storied history on Sunday, October 12. Under cool, calm conditions ideal for fast running, Conner Mantz not only etched his name into American distance running history but did so amid dominant victories by Jacob Kiplimo and Hawi Feysa on the world stage.

Mantz Makes U.S. Marathon History

American marathon fans have waited more than two decades for this moment. Running with remarkable composure and confidence, Conner Mantz clocked an astonishing 2:04:43, smashing the long-standing U.S. men’s record of 2:05:38 set by Khalid Khannouchi in 2002—ironically, also in Chicago.

Mantz placed fourth overall in a deep international field but was the clear headline story for American distance running. The record capped off a remarkable season that already included a U.S. half-marathon record (59:17 in Houston) and a strong 2:05:08 run in Boston earlier this year.

“This has been my goal since I first ran Chicago,” Mantz said after the race. “To come back here and do it—it’s a dream realized.”

His coach, Ed Eyestone, called it “a masterclass in discipline and pacing,” noting that Mantz hit every target split almost to the second.

Kiplimo Commands the Men’s Race

While Mantz captured American hearts, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo controlled the overall competition from start to finish. The world half-marathon record holder surged decisively at 30 kilometers and never looked back, winning in 2:02:23—the fastest time ever run on U.S. soil.

Kenya’s Amos Kipruto finished second in 2:03:54, and compatriot Alex Masai placed third in 2:04:37, rounding out a podium that showcased both experience and emerging talent.

Kiplimo’s victory solidifies his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars, adding a major-marathon title to his growing résumé that already includes world titles in the half marathon and cross country.

Feysa Dominates Women’s Field

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa claimed her biggest career win in spectacular fashion. She broke away in the final 10 kilometers to take the title in 2:14:56, a personal best by more than two minutes.

Feysa’s countrywoman Megertu Alemu took second in 2:17:18, while Magdalena Shauri of Tanzania earned third in 2:18:03. Feysa’s victory margin and commanding finish underscored her potential as a future global contender.

“I felt strong all the way,” she said afterward. “Today, Chicago gave me my best race.”

A Day for the Record Books

 The 47th edition of the Chicago Marathon reaffirmed the city’s status as one of the fastest marathon courses in the world. With ideal weather, roaring crowds, and a record-breaking performance by Conner Mantz, the event once again proved to be a defining stage for greatness.

For Mantz, the day marked not just a new national standard but a signal to the world that American marathoners are back in the global conversation.

As he crossed the finish line, arms raised in disbelief, it was clear: October 12, 2025, will be remembered as the day an American finally ran with—and among—the very best.

As the running world turns its eyes toward the 2025 Chicago Marathon, American marathon legend Meb Keflezighi has shared a heartfelt message of support for rising U.S. star Conner Mantz—and a bold prediction.

“I am looking forward to seeing what Conner Mantz is going to do this weekend in Chicago,” Meb wrote on Facebook. “I believe it will be a special day for him, and if the stars align, we will have a new American record holder for the marathon when he crosses the finish line.”

The American men’s marathon record of 2:05:38, set by Khalid Khannouchi at the 2002 London Marathon, has stood for over two decades—a mark that was once the world record. Meb acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but expressed full faith in Mantz’s ability and momentum.

Keflezighi also reflected on his long friendship with Mantz, noting they first met when Conner was still in high school competing at the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships.

“Conner and I have become good friends over the past few years,” Meb shared. “He once told me I was his dad’s favorite marathoner, and these days I am happy to be second in his book!”

Support for the Field and Team HAWI

Meb extended his encouragement to the entire elite field, especially John Korir, last year’s Chicago champion and the 2025 Boston Marathon winner.

“It’s hard to win back-to-back,” he wrote, “but John is a special athlete and I’m excited to see what he can do.”

Keflezighi also gave a proud shout-out to his brother Hawi Keflezighi, who represents nine elite athletes racing in Chicago under Team HAWI Management.

“We Are All Sharing the Same Road”

Meb closed with a message that captures the spirit of the marathon and why he continues to inspire runners of all levels.

“To everyone running the Chicago Marathon this weekend, remember, the beauty of sport is that we are all sharing the same road and taking on those 26.2 miles together. I hope you all have a great experience on the streets of Chicago.”

Photo: Meb Keflezighi, Olympic medalist and Boston Marathon champion, cheering on the next generation.

All eyes will be on Grant Park this Sunday, as the 47th Bank of America Chicago Marathon ushers in another chapter in the city’s storied marathon legacy. Known for its flat, fast terrain and unforgiving margins, Chicago has become a proving ground where legends are made—and in 2025, the stage is again set for brilliance.

Course & Records: Anchors of Expectation

Chicago is no stranger to history. It is here that Kelvin Kiptum set the men’s world record of 2:00:35 in 2023.  

On the women’s side, Ruth Chepngetich broke the world record with a stunning 2:09:56 in 2024.  

These records are constant reminders of what’s possible on Chicago’s streets.

 Africa’s Power Surge

The men’s field overflows with elite contenders. Reigning champion John Korir (PB 2:02:44 in Chicago 2024) returns after a dominant Boston win, aiming to defend in style.  

He’s flanked by Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55), Amos Kipruto (2:03:13), and Cybrian Kotut (2:03:22).  

Uganda’s half-marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo (PB 2:03:37) makes another full marathon attempt with major expectations.  

Ethiopia counters with Huseydin Mohamed Esa (2:04:39) and other seasoned performers, keeping the East African narrative strong.  

Women’s Field: Depth, Debuts & Tactics

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s depth dominates. Megertu Alemu (2:16:34), Hawi Feysa (2:17:00), Bedatu Hirpa (2:18:27), and Haven Hailu Desse (2:19:17) all bring serious credentials to Chicago.  

They’ll be challenged by Kenya’s Mary Ngugi-Cooper (2:20:22), while rising stars Loice Chemnung(marathon debut) and Ejgayehu Taye (track standout) add intrigue to the field.  

Continental Ambitions & Local Heroes

Bashir Abdi (Belgium, 2:03:36) carries Europe’s hopes. His pacing discipline and championship experience make him a dark horse in the chaotic front pack.  

On the North American front:

• Galen Rupp (2:06:07), a former Chicago champion, seeks to recapture relevance.  

• Conner Mantz (2:07:47) and CJ Albertson (2:08:17) represent fresh American ambition.  

• Rory Linkletter (2:08:01) brings Canadian presence to the mix.  

What to Watch & Final Word

Expect fast early splits, bold moves, and surges that test everyone’s guts. The men’s race may hinge on who can ride the early pace without crashing. The women’s battle may be tactical, with late kickers deciding the outcome.

If Chicago’s history teaches us anything, it’s that when speed meets strategy, anything can happen. As the gun fires in Grant Park, we’ll see whether tradition holds or new legends are born.

The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, set for Sunday, October 12, promises to once again showcase one of the deepest elite fields in marathon history. Known for its fast, flat course and ideal racing conditions, Chicago has become a global stage for record-setting performances — and this year’s edition may be one of the most competitive yet.

Men’s Elite Race: Korir Returns to Defend His Title

Leading the men’s lineup is John Korir of Kenya, the 2024 champion, who ran an impressive 2:02:44 personal best last year. He’ll face a formidable field featuring Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55), Amos Kipruto (2:03:13), CyBrian Kotut, and Olympic bronze medalist Bashir Abdi.

The men’s race includes a deep roster of sub-2:05 performers, joined by rising Kenyan and Ethiopian talent and top Americans Conner Mantz and Galen Rupp, who will be aiming to challenge the American record. Mantz, who continues to build momentum on the global stage, has called Chicago “the perfect course for fast running.”

Other top contenders include Jacob Kiplimo, Philemon Kipkemo, and Geoffrey Kamworor, all proven half-marathon specialists stepping into the marathon distance with high expectations.

Women’s Elite Race: Ethiopia’s Depth on Display

 The women’s field is equally world-class. Megertu Alemu (2:16:34) leads the entries, followed by Hawi Feysa (2:17:00) and Irine Cheptai (2:17:51). Ethiopia’s strength in depth continues with Bedatu Hirpa (2:18:27) and Haven Hailu Desse (2:19:17).

 Kenya’s Mary Ngugi-Cooper, who has been consistently among the top finishers in major marathons, brings experience and resilience to the field with her 2:20:22 personal best.

 Among the notable international names are Calli Hauger-Thackery of Great Britain (2:21:24), Lindsay Flanagan (2:23:31), Florencia Borelli (2:24:18), and Dakotah Popehn (2:24:40). The debut of Kenya’s Loice Chemnung and Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye, both stepping up from world-class track careers, adds further intrigue.

 Records and Legacy

Chicago’s reputation as one of the fastest courses in the world continues to draw elite fields. The men’s course record of 2:00:35, set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, remains one of the most remarkable performances in marathon history. On the women’s side, Sifan Hassan’s 2:13:44, also from 2023, stands as the course record.

Both records were set in near-perfect conditions — something runners and fans alike will be hoping for again this October.

 An Event with Global Reach

 The Chicago Marathon remains a cornerstone of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, drawing more than 50,000 runners from over 100 countries. In 2025, organizers anticipate record participation and strong community engagement across the city’s 29 neighborhoods.

Since its founding in 1977, the race has evolved from a local road event into a global showcase for endurance and diversity. Beyond the elite races, the marathon generates millions for local charities and stands as one of the city’s largest annual sporting celebrations.

 Looking Ahead

As the elite men and women prepare for the start line, the question is not whether Chicago will be fast — but how fast.

 With Korir defending his title, Alemu chasing sub-2:16 territory, and several debutants looking to make their mark, the 2025 Chicago Marathon could once again deliver performances that shape the global marathon conversation.

The 47th edition of this iconic race will begin at 7:30 a.m. (CT) from Grant Park, with live coverage expected worldwide.

Chicago’s streets are ready. The world will be watching.

The 2025 Chicago Marathon, set for October 12, promises one of the deepest men’s fields in recent history. Featuring Olympic medalists, World Marathon Majors champions, and promising debutants, this year’s race could produce a historic performance on the streets of the Windy City.

Leading the field is defending champion John Korir of Kenya, who owns a personal best of 2:02:44. He will be challenged by countryman Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55) and Amos Kipruto (2:03:13), both proven contenders on the global stage. Adding to the Kenyan firepower are Cyprian Kotut (2:03:22), Philemon Kiplimos (2:04:01), and former World Half Marathon record-holder Geoffrey Kamworor(2:04:23).

International stars include Olympic marathon champion Bashir Abdi (2:03:36) of Belgium, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo (2:03:01), and Ethiopia’s Huseydin Mohamed Esa (2:04:39).

The American contingent is particularly strong this year, led by Conner Mantz (2:05:08), Daniel Ebenyo (2:06:04), and Galen Rupp (2:06:07). Other top U.S. names include Matt Richtman (2:07:56), Ryan Ford (2:08:00), Rory Linkletter (2:08:01), and CJ Albertson (2:08:17). The lineup also features debut marathoners Casey Clinger and Tai Dinger, both looking to make their mark.

With such a talent-packed field, the 2025 Chicago Marathon could see not only a thrilling battle for the win but also a possible course record — and perhaps another sub-2:03 clocking on American soil.

The flat, fast Chicago course combined with October’s typically cool running conditions make this race a prime stage for history. Fans around the world will be watching closely to see which athlete emerges victorious in what promises to be one of the most competitive marathons of the year.

Ed Eyestone Has Spent Four Decades Shaping American Distance Running—As a Champion and Coach

Ed Eyestone posted this right after this year's Boston Marathon, "Proud of my boys Conner Mantz and Clayton Young who scored big PRs in yesterday's Boston Marathon finishing in 4th and 7th! Shout out to Rory Linkletter for his big PR finish in 6th! 3 BYU Cougars in the top 7! Way to go lads!"

From setting records on the roads to building one of the strongest distance programs in the NCAA, Ed Eyestone has dedicated his life to distance running. A two-time Olympian and the long-standing head coach at Brigham Young University (BYU), Eyestone has left his mark on every level of the sport—and he’s still adding to his legacy.

A Decorated Athlete Turned Mentor

Ed's running career began with dominance in the collegiate ranks. At BYU, he won an astonishing five NCAA individual titles, including the prestigious “Triple Crown” in 1985—claiming national championships in cross country, the 5,000 meters, and the 10,000 meters. Only three others have ever achieved this feat.

His elite career continued on the roads, where he represented the United States in the marathon at the 1988 Seoul Olympics (29th place) and again at the 1992 Barcelona Games (13th place). Along the way, he posted personal bests of:

• Marathon – 2:10:59

• 10,000m – 27:41.05

• 5,000m – 13:32.52

He was named U.S. Road Racer of the Year five times and ranked among the top American marathoners for over a decade.

Coaching BYU to National Prominence

Since joining BYU’s coaching staff in 2000—and becoming head coach in 2013—Eyestone has built the Cougars into one of the most respected programs in the country.

In 2019, he led BYU to its first NCAA Division I Men’s Cross Country Championship, a long-awaited breakthrough fueled by strong depth, smart tactics, and years of strategic development. His teams regularly place in the top 10 nationally, both in cross country and on the track.

He’s coached more than 30 All-Americans and continues to develop runners into world-class competitors. His athletes consistently credit him for his calm presence, scientific approach, and deep understanding of racing.

In 2024, he was named NCAA Mountain Region Coach of the Year—an honor that reflects his enduring relevance and success in a constantly evolving sport.

The Conner Mantz Era

One of Eyestone’s most prominent pupils is Conner Mantz, a BYU standout who has quickly become one of the best marathoners in U.S. history.

Under Eyestone’s coaching, Mantz won back-to-back NCAA Cross Country titles in 2020 and 2021. Since turning pro, Mantz has continued working with Eyestone, now serving as his professional coach.

• 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Champion

• 8th place finisher at the Paris Olympic Marathon

• Set the American half marathon record (59:17) in 2025

• Ran 2:05:08 at the 2025 Boston Marathon, the second-fastest time ever by an American on the course

Eyestone's steady mentorship remains a driving force behind Mantz’s rise. Their relationship—rooted in trust, precision training, and shared values—has helped elevate Mantz to the top of the international marathon scene.

Clayton Young: From NCAA Champion to Olympic Marathone

Another testament to Eyestone’s coaching prowess is Clayton Young, who has risen from collegiate success to international acclaim under Eyestone’s guidance.

• 2019 NCAA 10,000m Champion at BYU

• 2023 Chicago Marathon: 2:08:00, securing Olympic qualification

• 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials: 2nd place, earning a spot on Team USA

• 2024 Paris Olympics: 9th place finish with a time of 2:08:44

• 2025 Boston Marathon: Personal best of 2:07:04, finishing 7th

Young’s journey has been marked by resilience and determination. After undergoing knee surgery in early 2023, he made a remarkable comeback, achieving personal bests and representing the U.S. on the Olympic stage. His analytical approach to training, combined with Eyestone’s mentorship, has been pivotal in his success.

A Lasting Legacy

Now in his early 60s, Ed Eyestone continues to shape the future of American distance running. His fingerprints are on championship banners, personal bests, and Olympic dreams.

From 2:10 marathons to NCAA titles and Olympic breakthroughs, Eyestone’s impact spans generations. Whether you’re looking at his own performances or those of his athletes, one thing is clear—Ed Eyestone is one of the most influential figures in the history of American distance running.  

Clayton Young is proving that intelligence and endurance go hand in hand. The 31-year-old American distance star has emerged as one of the most consistent and compelling marathoners on the scene today—blending mechanical precision from his engineering background with grit, faith, and family support.

From BYU to the Big Stage

Born in Clovis, California, and raised in American Fork, Utah, Young’s rise began at Brigham Young University, where he studied mechanical engineering and starred on the track. He capped off his college career by winning the 10,000 meters at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

After graduation, rather than settling into a full-time engineering career, Young negotiated a flexible part-time role with Stryker Corporation so he could pursue running at the highest level. That decision proved pivotal.

Setbacks and Breakthroughs

In 2023, Young faced a major challenge—knee surgery. Many athletes would have struggled to return, but he was back racing just seven months later. His comeback culminated in a 2:08:00 personal best at the Chicago Marathon, earning him a spot on Team USA for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

At the Olympic Trials, Young placed second in 2:09:06, just behind training partner Conner Mantz. Then, on the streets of Paris, he delivered a standout performance, finishing 9th overall in 2:08:44—the fastest Olympic marathon time ever by an American.

He kept the momentum rolling in 2025, clocking 2:07:04 at the Boston Marathon to finish 7th overall and solidify his status as one of the top U.S. marathoners.

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Young trains in Provo, Utah, under BYU coach Ed Eyestone alongside Conner Mantz, forming a dynamic duo that’s pushing the limits of American marathon potential. Their disciplined training, built on shared values and competitiveness, has raised the bar for what’s possible.

“We thrive off each other’s energy,” Young has said. “It’s not about beating each other—it’s about being better together.”

Beyond the Clock

Young is also a devoted husband and father, living in Springville, Utah, with his wife Ashley and their two daughters. He shares his journey through a behind-the-scenes docuseries, Beyond the Hill, and connects regularly with fans through social media—offering insights into his workouts, mindset, and family life.

His ability to balance elite competition with a grounded personal life has made him a fan favorite and a role model for aspiring runners.

What’s Next for Clayton Young?

With the 2025 World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in view, Clayton Young is entering his prime. His mix of tactical intelligence, physical preparation, and inner resolve is setting a new standard for American marathoners.

He’s not just chasing fast times—he’s building something bigger.

In a performance that underscored his rising stature in American distance running, Conner Mantz delivered a personal best of 2:05:08 at the 2025 Boston Marathon, finishing fourth and narrowly missing a podium spot by just four seconds. This time stands as the second-fastest ever recorded by an American on the storied Boston course, trailing only Ryan Hall’s 2:04:58 from 2011.  

A Race of Strategy and Resolve

Mantz, 28, positioned himself strategically within the lead pack for much of the race. However, at the 20-mile mark, Kenya’s John Korir executed a decisive move around Heartbreak Hill, opening a 20-second gap that would eventually extend to nearly a minute.   Korir went on to win the race in 2:04:45, the second-fastest winning time in Boston Marathon history.

As Korir surged ahead, Mantz found himself in a fierce battle for the remaining podium spots with Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu and Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut. The trio remained tightly grouped as they approached the final stretch on Boylston Street. Despite a valiant effort, Mantz was outkicked in the last 300 meters, finishing just behind Simbu and Kotut, who both clocked 2:05:04.

Reflections on a Career-Defining Race

After the race, Mantz reflected on the experience:

“I made my hard move and they responded as if I wasn’t there making a move. So it was a little bit humbling,” Mantz said. “Missing it and getting outkicked for the last 300 meters is a little bitter. It’s still probably the best race I’ve had.”  

This performance marked a significant improvement over his previous personal best of 2:07:47, set at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, and his 11th-place finish at the 2023 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:10:25.  

Building Momentum

Mantz’s Boston performance continues a series of impressive results. In January, he set a new American half-marathon record by finishing the Houston Half Marathon in 59:17, breaking Ryan Hall’s 18-year-old record.  

His consistent excellence on the road has solidified his status as one of America’s premier long-distance runners.

Mantz’s achievements not only highlight his personal growth but also signal a resurgence in American distance running. As he continues to build on his successes, fans and fellow athletes alike will be watching closely to see how he performs in upcoming international competitions.

The 129th edition of the Boston Marathon, held Monday, April 21, 2025, delivered unforgettable drama and record-setting performances on the iconic route from Hopkinton to Boylston Street. Under near-perfect running conditions—mid-50s temperatures, low humidity, and a light tailwind—elite runners took full advantage, producing some of the fastest times in race history.

John Korir Claims His Crown and Continues a Family Legacy

Kenya’s John Korir won the men’s race in a sensational 2:04:45, the second-fastest time ever run on the Boston course. The younger brother of 2012 Boston champion Wesley Korir, John added another chapter to his family’s Boston legacy by not only conquering the challenging course but doing so in dominant fashion.

Despite a minor fall early in the race, Korir surged away from a deep international field after 20 miles, building a gap that no one could close. His finishing time was just over a minute shy of Geoffrey Mutai’s legendary 2:03:02 from 2011—the fastest time ever run in Boston but not eligible as a world record due to the course layout.

“I knew I was ready for something big,” Korir said post-race. “To follow in my brother’s footsteps and win Boston means everything.”

American hopes were high coming into the race, and Conner Mantz did not disappoint. Running a massive personal best of 2:05:08, he placed fourth overall and became the second-fastest American ever on the Boston course, behind only Ryan Hall’s 2:04:58 (set in 2011).

Sharon Lokedi Breaks the Tape—and the Record

The women’s race was equally historic. Sharon Lokedi, who won the 2022 New York City Marathon, delivered the performance of her life to win in 2:17:22, a new Boston Marathon course record, smashing the previous mark of 2:19:59 set by Buzunesh Deba in 2014.

Lokedi ran a smart, strategic race. She stayed tucked in a lead pack through the Newton Hills and then launched a powerful surge at mile 24, dropping two-time Boston champion Hellen Obiri and the rest of the field. Obiri finished second in a personal best 2:18:10, making it a Kenyan 1-2 sweep on the women’s podium.

“This course is tough, but I felt strong the whole way,” Lokedi said. “To run a course record here—it’s just unbelievable.”

Top 10 Elite Men – 2025 Boston Marathon

1. John Korir (Kenya) – 2:04:45

2. Alphonce Simbu (Tanzania) – 2:05:04

3. Cybrian Kotut (Kenya) – 2:05:04

4. Conner Mantz (USA) – 2:05:08

5. Muktar Edris (Ethiopia) – 2:05:59

6. Rory Linkletter (Canada) – 2:07:02

7. Clayton Young (USA) – 2:07:04

8. Tebello Ramakongoana (Lesotho) – 2:07:19

9. Daniel Mateiko (Kenya) – 2:07:52

10. Ryan Ford (USA) – 2:08:00

Top 10 Elite Women – 2025 Boston Marathon

1. Sharon Lokedi (Kenya) – 2:17:22 (Course Record)

2. Hellen Obiri (Kenya) – 2:17:41

3. Yalemzerf Yehualaw (Ethiopia) – 2:18:06

4. Irine Cheptai (Kenya) – 2:21:32

5. Amane Beriso (Ethiopia) – 2:21:58

6. Calli Thackery (Great Britain) – 2:22:38

7. Jess McClain (USA) – 2:22:43

8. Annie Frisbie (USA) – 2:23:21

9. Stacy Ndiwa (Kenya) – 2:23:29

10. Tsige Haileslase (Ethiopia) – 2:23:43 

Notable American Performances

• Emma Bates finished 13th with a time of 2:25:10.

• Dakotah Popehn secured 16th place in 2:26:09.

• Des Linden completed her 28th and final professional marathon, finishing 17th in 2:26:19.

• Sara Hall placed 18th with a time of 2:26:32. 

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Boston Marathon reaffirmed its place as one of the world’s premier races—not just for its history and prestige, but for its ability to showcase incredible athletic achievement. With deep American performances and Kenyan dominance at the front, it sets the stage for an exciting year. 

For fans, runners, and historians, this year’s Boston will go down as one of the most memorable ever.

My Best Runs

Your front row seat to the world of running

The 129th Boston Marathon, set for Monday, April 21, 2025, promises to be a historic showdown between international champions and a formidable field of elite American runners. With defending champions Hellen Obiri and Sisay Lemma returning to defend their titles, the depth of competition will be among the strongest in recent memory.

Elite American Men

• Conner Mantz – PB: 2:07:47

Mantz enters Boston as one of the top American hopes, fresh off an 8th-place finish at the Paris Olympics and 6th in New York City.

• Clayton Young – PB: 2:08:00

Training alongside Mantz, Young placed 9th in Paris and 7th in NYC, and continues to close the gap with the world’s best.

• CJ Albertson – PB: 2:08:17

Known for his fearless tactics and high mileage, Albertson ran his personal best at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.

• Zach Panning – PB: 2:09:16

The 5th-place finisher at the U.S. Olympic Trials, Panning brings aggressive racing and consistent progress to Boston.

• Colin Bennie – PB: 2:09:38

The Massachusetts native and 2021 top American finisher returns with home course advantage and renewed focus.

Elite American Women

• Keira D’Amato – PB: 2:19:12

The former American record holder returns from injury with momentum and the experience to contend.

• Emma Bates – PB: 2:22:10

Bates was the top American at the 2024 Boston Marathon and continues to improve with every outing.

• Sara Hall – PB: 2:20:32

One of the most experienced American marathoners, Hall posted a 2:23:45 in Berlin last fall.

• Desiree Linden – PB: 2:22:38

The 2018 Boston champion returns for her 12th Boston start, a fan favorite with unmatched experience.

• Dakotah Popehn – PB: 2:24:40

Popehn was the top American finisher at the Paris Olympics and brings strong international credentials.

• Jess McClain – PB: 2:25:46

McClain placed fourth at the U.S. Trials and will be making her Boston debut as a rising star.

International Elite Field

Men’s Division:

• Sisay Lemma (ETH) – PB: 2:01:48

The defending champion and one of the fastest marathoners in history, Lemma seeks to repeat in Boston.

• John Korir (KEN) – PB: 2:02:44

The 2024 Chicago Marathon champion is a serious threat in any race he enters.

• Evans Chebet (KEN) – PB: 2:03:00

Boston champion in 2022 and 2023, Chebet looks to reclaim his title and join the three-time winners’ club.

Women’s Division:

• Amane Beriso (ETH) – PB: 2:14:58

The fifth-fastest woman in history is making her Boston debut.

• Yalemzerf Yehualaw (ETH) – PB: 2:16:52

Still just 25, Yehualaw adds tremendous firepower to the field.

• Hellen Obiri (KEN) – PB: 2:21:38

The two-time defending champion is chasing history with a potential third straight victory on Boylston Street.

Race Day Details

• Date: Monday, April 21, 2025

• Start Times:

• Wheelchair Division – 9:02 AM

• Handcycle & Duo Participants – 9:05 AM

• Elite Women – 9:32 AM

• Elite Men & Wave 1 – 10:00 AM

• Wave 2 – 10:25 AM

• Wave 3 – 10:50 AM

• Wave 4 – 11:15 AM

• Tracking & Coverage: Available through the B.A.A. Racing App with live updates, leaderboards, and interactive course maps.

“I’ve run over a thousand races in my life, and nothing compares to Boston,” says My Best Runs editor Bob Anderson. “When I ran 3:32:17 here at age 65, I felt like a rock star the entire way. The crowd was unbelievable—cheering, encouraging, lifting every runner forward. Boston isn’t just about the elites—it’s about the thousands of others out there chasing their dreams on the same course.”

With a deep American field and some of the fastest runners on the planet, the 2025 Boston Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in history. Whether it’s a breakout run or a hard-fought defense, fans can expect something unforgettable from this year’s race.

In the world of distance running, certain time barriers carry iconic weight: the four-minute mile, the two-hour marathon, and now, perhaps more than ever before, the sub-60-minute half marathon.

Running 13.1 miles at an average pace of under 4:35 per mile (approximately 2:50 per kilometer) was once a feat reserved for only a handful of legends. Today, more than 100 men have accomplished the mark—transforming what was once historic into a new global benchmark. From the streets of Valencia to the avenues of Houston, the sub-60 chase has reshaped the competitive landscape.

At the heart of this movement is Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, arguably the most exciting half marathoner on the planet. In 2021, Kiplimo smashed the world record by clocking 57:31 in Lisbon, Portugal—a performance that combined raw power, impeccable pacing, and near-perfect weather. His fluid stride and ability to surge at will have made him the gold standard for half marathon excellence.

Kiplimo’s brilliance lies not just in his times, but in his consistency. He’s one of the few runners who can deliver near-world-record performances while battling the best in championship-style races, such as his victory at the 2020 World Half Marathon Championships in Gdynia, Poland.

So, what does it take to go sub-60? It’s more than just genetic talent. Athletes training at the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) in Thika and at the KATA Retreat in Portugal are learning that going under an hour requires a perfect storm of speed, endurance, tactical racing, and recovery. Former 2:07 marathoner Jimmy Muindi, now coaching at KATA Portugal, emphasizes the importance of training specificity: “It’s not just about the miles—it’s about the right workouts, at the right time, and the right rest.”

Technology has also played its part. Super shoes, optimized pacing, and faster courses have contributed to faster times, but the core remains the same: the athlete. And sub-60 remains a sacred number—an invisible finish line that continues to pull the best out of the world’s elite.

American Runners Breaking the Sub-60 Barrier

For years, American distance running lagged behind East African dominance in the half marathon. However, significant breakthroughs have occurred over the past two decades:

• Ryan Hall made history in 2007 by becoming the first American to break the one-hour barrier, finishing the Houston Half Marathon in 59:43. This performance stood as the American record for 18 years.

• Galen Rupp, a two-time Olympic medalist, joined the sub-60 club in 2018 with a time of 59:47 at the Roma-Ostia Half Marathon, showcasing his versatility across distances.

• Conner Mantz recently set a new American record by completing the Houston Half Marathon in 59:17, demonstrating the rising talent in U.S. distance running.

These achievements signify a new era for American distance runners, who are now competing at the highest levels on the global stage.

“The new super shoes have helped runners from at least 10 countries achieve a sub-60-minute half marathon,” says MBR editor Bob Anderson.

This surge in international performances underscores the evolving landscape of elite distance running, where advancements in technology and training are enabling athletes worldwide to reach new milestones.

With the 2025 racing calendar heating up, all eyes will be on the next generation of half marathoners. Who will be the next to join Kiplimo in the sub-58 club? And how long until sub-59 becomes the norm?

As the sport evolves, one thing is clear: the chase for sub-60 isn’t just about times—it’s about what’s possible.

The 129th Boston Marathon is set for Monday, April 21, 2025 in just over a month, once again taking place on Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts. This year’s edition marks the first under the sponsorship of Bank of America, signaling a new chapter for the world’s oldest annual marathon. With an elite field packed with world-class runners and unpredictable spring weather, the race promises another thrilling showdown from Hopkinton to Boston.

Race Details & Course Overview

The Boston Marathon’s iconic point-to-point course spans 26.2 miles, starting in Hopkinton and ending on Boylston Street in Boston’s Copley Square. Runners will navigate rolling hills, including the challenging Newton Hills and the infamous Heartbreak Hill at mile 21. The course favors experienced runners who can manage both the early downhill sections and the later climbs.

Weather will be a key factor, as New England’s spring climate is unpredictable. Ideal conditions for runners would be cool temperatures around 45–50°F with overcast skies and a tailwind, but past races have seen everything from heatwaves to freezing rain. Early forecasts suggest favorable conditions, but as always, runners must be prepared for anything.

Men’s Elite Field

The men’s race features defending champion Sisay Lemma, who is aiming to retain his title after a dominant performance last year. Evans Chebet, the 2022 and 2023 champion, returns hungry to reclaim the crown. John Korir, fresh off a victory at the Chicago Marathon, brings world-class speed that could shake up the competition.

A strong American contingent is headlined by Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, both of whom finished in the top ten at the Olympic marathon. Mantz, in particular, has shown outstanding form, recently breaking the American half marathon record. CJ Albertson, a familiar name in Boston for his bold racing tactics, will also be in the mix, potentially pushing the early pace.

The race is expected to be tactical, with the Newton Hills playing a decisive role. If the pack remains tight through Heartbreak Hill, it could come down to a late-race battle along Boylston Street.

Women’s Elite Field

Hellen Obiri returns seeking a historic third consecutive Boston Marathon title, a feat not accomplished in over two decades. Known for her lethal finishing speed, Obiri has mastered the Boston course and will be the woman to beat.

Challenging her will be Amane Beriso, the reigning world marathon champion, and Yalemzerf Yehualaw, a former London Marathon winner with sub-2:17 speed. Sharon Lokedi, last year’s runner-up, will also be in contention, having nearly edged out Obiri in a dramatic finish.

The American field is deep, with contenders including Sara Hall, Keira D’Amato, Emma Bates, and former champion Des Linden. While breaking into the top three will be a challenge, a top-five finish is within reach for the top U.S. women.

Predictions & Final Thoughts

The men’s race is expected to be a battle between the experienced champions and rising American stars. If the race is fast from the start, runners like Korir and Lemma may have the edge. However, if it becomes a strategic affair, Mantz and Young could position themselves for a breakthrough performance.

On the women’s side, Obiri’s experience and closing speed make her the favorite, but the depth of the field suggests another closely contested race. If Beriso or Yehualaw can push the pace early, it could disrupt Obiri’s plans for a late kick.

With a historic Patriots’ Day celebration and an elite field ready to compete, the 2025 Boston Marathon is shaping up to be an unforgettable race. Whether defending champions hold their ground or new winners emerge, all eyes will be on Boylston Street this April.

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.

The 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, held on March 16, witnessed remarkable performances as both men’s and women’s course records were shattered. The event attracted over 28,500 participants, marking it as the largest half marathon in New York Road Runners’ history.

Men’s Race Highlights

Kenya’s Abel Kipchumba defended his title with a stellar performance, setting a new event record of 59:09. He broke away from U.S. Olympians Conner Mantz and Hillary Bor in the final miles. Mantz secured second place with a personal best of 59:15—the fastest time by an American in the event’s history—while Bor finished third in 59:55.

Women’s Race Highlights

Sharon Lokedi of Kenya, the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon champion, claimed victory in the women’s division with a new event record of 1:07:04. She surged ahead in the final miles, outpacing U.S. Olympian Fiona O’Keeffe, who finished second in 1:07:46, and British Olympian Calli Hauger-Thackery, who took third in 1:07:49.  

Notable Achievements

• Men’s Top Finishers:

1. Abel Kipchumba (KEN) – 59:09

2. Conner Mantz (USA) – 59:15

3. Hillary Bor (USA) – 59:55

4. Patrick Dever (GBR) – 1:00:19

• Women’s Top Finishers:

1. Sharon Lokedi (KEN) – 1:07:04

2. Fiona O’Keeffe (USA) – 1:07:46

3. Calli Hauger-Thackery (GBR) – 1:07:49

4. Diane van Es (NED) – 1:08:03

This year’s race featured a new course that crossed the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time in NYRR history, symbolizing the event’s evolution and the city’s resilience. The record-breaking performances and increased participation underscore the growing prominence of the NYC Half Marathon on the global running calendar.

The 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon is set to captivate runners and spectators alike on Sunday, March 16, 5, starting at 7:30 a.m. This year's race introduces a historic course alteration, featuring the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time, replacing the Manhattan Bridge due to ongoing construction on South Street.

Participants will embark on a 13.1-mile journey beginning on Washington Avenue near the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The route traverses through Prospect Park, crosses the East River via the Brooklyn Bridge, and continues along the FDR Drive. Runners will experience the vibrant streets of the Lower East Side, the bustling energy of Midtown Manhattan, and the rare opportunity to race through a traffic-free Times Square, culminating in a finish at Central Park.

Elite Field Highlights:

The 2025 race boasts a stellar lineup of professional athletes:

Men's Division:

Conner Mantz (USA): Olympian and American half marathon record holder, having set a new record of 59:17 at the 2025 Houston Half Marathon.

Abel Kipchumba (Kenya): Defending champion with a personal best of 58:07, aiming to retain his title.

Richard Etir (Kenya): Making his New York debut with a personal best of 59:32.

Women's Division:

Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal (Norway): Defending champion, returning after her 2024 victory in 1:09:09.

Emily Sisson (USA): American marathon record holder, returning to the NYC Half after a strong debut in 2017.

Fiona O'Keeffe (USA): Winner of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with a time of 2:22:10, representing the U.S. in the Paris Olympics.

Dakotah Lindwurm (USA): Secured her spot on the 2024 U.S. Olympic team by finishing third in the trials with a time of 2:25:31 and led American women at the Paris Olympics with a 12th-place finish in 2:26:44.

In the previous year's event, Abel Kipchumba clinched the men's title with a time of 1:00:25, while Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal secured the women's title in 1:09:09.

With an expected participation of approximately 25,000 runners from around the globe, the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon promises to be a memorable event, blending elite competition with the vibrant spirit of New York City.

Conner Mantz's journey from a young running enthusiast in Utah to an American record holder is a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. Born on December 8, 1996, in Logan, Utah, Mantz's early passion for running set the stage for a remarkable career in long-distance running.

Mantz's affinity for running became evident at a young age. At just 12, he completed his first half marathon, igniting a fervor for the sport. By 14, he impressively finished a half marathon in 1:11:24, maintaining an average pace of 5:26.8 minutes per mile. During his time at Sky View High School in Smithfield, Utah, Mantz distinguished himself as a three-time All-American at the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships. His prowess also earned him a spot on Team USA at the 2015 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Guiyang, China, where he placed 29th in the junior race, leading the team to a commendable sixth-place finish.

Choosing to further his running career and education, Mantz committed to Brigham Young University (BYU), turning down offers from institutions like Princeton and Furman. Before starting at BYU, he took a two-year hiatus to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ghana. Upon his return in 2017, Mantz redshirted his first year, laying a solid foundation for his collegiate career. Under the guidance of coach Ed Eyestone, Mantz clinched back-to-back NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships titles in 2020 and 2021, solidifying his reputation as one of the nation's premier collegiate runners.

Transition to Professional Running

Turning professional in December 2021, Mantz signed with Nike and quickly made his mark. He won the USA Half Marathon Championships in Hardeeville, South Carolina, with a time of 1:00:55. The following year, he debuted in the marathon at the 2022 Chicago Marathon, finishing seventh with a time of 2:08:16. This performance was the second-fastest marathon debut by an American, just behind Leonard Korir's 2:07:56.

Olympic Pursuits and Notable Performances

In 2024, Mantz's career reached new heights. He won the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, securing his spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite facing a two-inch tear in his quad during preparations, Mantz showcased resilience, finishing eighth in the Olympic marathon. Post-Olympics, he continued to impress, placing sixth at the 2024 New York City Marathon.

Breaking the American Half Marathon Record

On January 19, 2025, at the Houston Half Marathon, Mantz etched his name into the record books. He completed the race in a staggering 59:17, breaking Ryan Hall's 18-year-old American record of 59:43 set in 2007. This achievement not only shattered the long-standing record but also made Mantz the first American in seven years to run a sub-60-minute half marathon.

Looking Ahead

Conner Mantz's trajectory in long-distance running is a blend of early passion, collegiate excellence, and professional triumphs. As he continues to push boundaries and set new standards, the running community eagerly anticipates his future endeavors, confident that Mantz will remain a formidable force on both national and international stages.

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.

Women’s Half Marathon:

Weini Kelati lowered her own American women’s half marathon record by completing the race in 1:06:09, a 16-second improvement from her previous record of 1:06:25 set at the same event last year. Kelati secured second place in the women’s field, finishing just four seconds behind Ethiopia’s Senayet Getachew, who won with a time of 1:06:05. 

The favorable weather conditions in Houston contributed to these record-breaking performances, making the 2025 Houston Half Marathon a memorable event for American distance running. 

In the race’s history, only four other women (Bobbi Gibb, Sara Mae Berman, Uta Pippig, and Fatuma Roba) have won three times a row, according to race organizers, who released the elite field today. The race is set for April 21.

Last year, Obiri broke the race open by covering the 24th mile in 4:41 and won in 2:22:37, 8 seconds ahead of her countrywoman Sharon Lokedi, who will also return to Boston. 

Obiri, 35, trains in Boulder, Colorado, with the On Athletics Club, and she has been on the podium in five of the six marathons she has run. In addition to her two Boston titles, she won the New York City Marathon in 2023, finished second there in 2024, and won the Olympic bronze medal in Paris. (The only blemish on her marathon record was her sixth-place finish at her debut in New York in 2022.) 

Obiri and Lokedi will be challenged by Amane Beriso and Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia. Beriso has a personal best of 2:14:58 from the Valencia Marathon in 2022. She’s currently the fifth-fastest woman of all time. 

Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia, the defending men’s champion, will also return to Boston. Lemma’s 2:01:48 from Valencia in 2023 makes him the fourth-fastest man in history. 

Last year in Boston, Lemma got out to a large early lead, and the course record seemed almost certain to fall. But by the Newton hills, Lemma was feeling his hot early pace and slowed considerably. He held on to win in 2:06:17.

His challengers at the 2025 race will include Evans Chebet of Kenya, who has won the race twice (2022 and 2023) and was third in 2024. John Korir of Kenya, who won the 2024 Chicago Marathon in a fast 2:02:44, will also be back to race in Boston. He was fourth last year. 

A Strong American Field 

Many top Americans are entered into Boston. On the women’s side, they include Keira D’Amato, who briefly held the American record of 2:19:12 in 2022, and Sara Hall, who had a strong race at last fall’s Berlin Marathon, where she ran 2:23:45. She’ll turn 42 the week before the race. 

D’Amato told Runner’s World in a text message that she is recovering from the injury in her left foot—stress reactions in her calcaneus and talus—that caused her to drop out of Chicago. “Hoping all the cross training has made me Boston Strong,” she wrote. “I’m building up conservatively to have a killer 2025.”

Olympians Dakotah Popehn and Des Lindenwill run (Linden for the 12th time), as will Emma Bates, the top American at Boston last year, Olympic Marathon Trials fourth-place finisher Jess McClain, and notables Sara Vaughn, Kellyn Taylor, and Lindsay Flanagan. 

On the men’s side, Olympians and training partners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, who finished eighth and ninth at the Games, respectively, will run Boston. They’ll be joined by CJ Albertson, who runs several fast marathons each year (five in 2024, including his PR of 2:08:17 in Chicago) and Zach Panning, who was fifth at the Olympic Marathon Trials.

The 2025 road racing year will open with an exciting chase for American records at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and course records at the Chevron Houston Marathon on Sunday, January 19.

The Houston Marathon Committee announced the professional fields for both races today, featuring returning champions and all-time top performers.

The women’s half marathon field is led by the fifth fastest woman in history, Yalemzerf Yehaulaw of Ethiopia who will race in North America for the first time. Yehaulaw, 25, holds two of the top ten all-time half marathon performances including her personal best of 1:03:51 from Valencia in 2021. In 2024, Yehaulaw set a new personal best time in the marathon, winning the Amsterdam Marathon in 2:16:52, a course record.

“It has always been my ambition to race in the United States and now the opportunity has finally come,” said Yehaulaw, the 2022 TCS London Marathon winner. “Running an early race means I get a chance to focus fully on the half marathon to go for a fast time. I am eager to win.”

The Aramco Houston Half Marathon women’s race also features the follow-up half marathon for the American record holder Weini Kelati. Kelati set the record of 1:06:25 in her debut half marathon here last year. She has not raced the distance since, instead focusing on the 10,000m in which she represented the United States at the 2024 Paris Games.

“I’m really excited to come back to Houston and run my second half marathon,” said Kelati, who finished fourth here in 2024. “Last year was great and I hope this year’s race will be even better. My training has been going well and I know the competition will be very good.”

The women’s professional field features 15 women who have run faster than 1:10 in the half marathon. Other top contenders include last year’s third place finisher Buze Diriba of Ethiopia; the third fastest British half marathoner in history, Jessica Warner-Judd, and fellow Brit and 2024 Olympic marathoner, Calli Hauger-Thackery. Hauger-Thackery won the California International Marathon last month.

The men’s competition will see a rematch of last year’s thrilling Aramco Houston Half Marathon. Wesley Kiptoo of Kenya who has been runner-up here for the past two years will again face off against Jemal Yimer of Ethiopia. Yimer outsprinted Kiptoo in 2024, beating him by just one second.

“I can’t wait to return to Houston to try to defend my 2024 title,” said Yimer, who also won here in 2020. “It’s a special place for me to kick off my 2025 road season.”

The pair will be joined by Tanzania Olympian and former Boston Marathon runner-up Gabriel Gaey who has a personal best of 59:42 from his seventh place finish here in 2020.

The men’s race will also see an attempt to finally topple the American half marathon record of 59:43 set here by Ryan Hall in 2007. Leading the chase on the 18-year-old record will be 2024 Olympic marathoners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young. Mantz and Young, who finished eighth and ninth in Paris, train together in Provo, Utah. In November, they were the top two American finishers in the TCS New York City Marathon with Mantz breaking the American course record. This will be Young’s Houston debut. Mantz last ran here in 2023, finishing in sixth place.

“I want to race the Aramco Houston Half Marathon because there are other fast Americans going for the American Record,” said Mantz, who also set the American record in the 10 mile last October. “The opportunities to race in a field like this, on a fast and record-eligible course are rare.”

Mantz and Young will face competition for a spot in the record books from Diego Estrada, the ninth fastest American in history and 2015 Houston champion who had a career-best performance here last year when he finished fifth in 1:00:49. Joe Klecker, an Olympian in the 10,000m, will look to play a factor in his half marathon debut along with his training partner Morgan Pearson, a two-time Olympic silver medalist in the triathlon with a personal best of 1:01:08. Klecker comes to Houston with family history. His mother Janis Klecker is the 1992 Houston Marathon champion.

The Chevron Houston Marathon features the return of two-time champion Dominic Ondoro of Kenya. Ondoro, who won here in 2017 and 2023, will be part of a field that includes two men who have run under Zouhair Talbi’s course record of 2:06:39 set in 2024: Haimro Alame (Israel, 2:06:04) and Ande Filmon (Eritrea, 2:06:38). The field also includes last year’s third place finisher, Hendrik Pfeiffer of Germany. Pfeiffer led nearly 22 miles of last year’s race and finished with a personal best of 2:07:14.

“Houston was the best marathon race in my career so far. I have great memories of the fast course and the impressive city,” said Pfeiffer, whose wife Esther is in the women’s half marathon elite field. “I have already experienced how it feels to lead the race for more than 35 kilometers and I‘m hungry for more. I will definitely try to chase a fast time again.“

A new winner will be crowned in the Chevron Houston Marathon women’s race. After making her half marathon debut here in 2023, Anna Dibaba will return to Houston to run just the second marathon of her career. The sister of Ethiopian legends Tirunesh, Ejegayehu and Genzebe, Dibaba ran 2:23:56 in her debut in Amsterdam last October.

“As I race in more marathons I am sure that I will understand better what I am capable of,” said Dibaba who placed fourth in the 2023 Aramco Houston Half Marathon. “You have to respect the distance of the marathon and it is not enough to be in shape. You must know how to interpret each race, the various courses and conditions. I am looking forward to seeing what I am now able to do in my next race in Houston."

There are two Ethiopian women who have run faster than Dibaba entered in the race. Tsigie Hailesale who has run 2:22:10 and has marathon victories in Stockholm and Cape Town is the fastest and Sifan Melaku, also a past winner in Stockholm with a 2:23:49 personal best.

American Erika Kemp will line up for only her second career marathon in Houston. Kemp, a two-time U.S. champion will look to build on her experience from the Boston Marathon last spring.

“In 2023 I learned what it was like to be out there competing for over two hours,” said Kemp, who runs for Brooks, the footwear and apparel sponsor of the Houston Marathon Weekend of Events. “I’m hoping to utilize the course karma I’ve built up in Houston to have a great marathon.”

“We are excited to see so many top runners kick off their 2025 racing season with us in Houston,” said Wade Morehead, Executive Director of the Houston Marathon Committee. “We are expecting a historic day that will add to this event’s reputation as one of the best races in the world.”

More than USD 190,000 in prize money and bonuses will be awarded to the top finishers of the Chevron Houston Marathon and USD 70,000 plus time bonuses for the top finishers in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. The races will be broadcast live on ABC13 and feature commentary from Olympic Marathoner and Boston Marathon champion Des Linden.

American distance running coach Ed Eyestone helped his athletes find their extra gear with this supportive technique.

Every runner has been there: the gruelling point in a race where exhaustion takes over, and not even a “let’s go” or “keep pushing” from the crowd feels like it’s helping. But what if the right words could reignite your drive and help you find that extra gear to push you to a personal best?

That’s precisely what American distance running coach Ed Eyestone proved at the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships last weekend in Madison, Wisc. Eyestone, who coaches U.S. Olympic marathoners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, along with Brigham Young University’s (BYU) cross-country program, utilized a brilliant strategy to motivate his runners to the top of the podium.

Eyestone wore a quarterback-style wristband inscribed with each athlete’s specific motivational triggers. These were not generic cheers, but deeply personal cues each runner wanted to hear at pivotal race moments. The result? BYU became only the fourth school in NCAA Division I history to win both the men’s and women’s team titles in the same year—a feat not accomplished in 20 years.

Why does personalization matter?

It’s easy to default to encouraging phrases like, “Great job!” or “Good work!” While these sentiments have good intentions, studies have shown that tailored, meaningful feedback has a far greater impact on an athlete’s performance. Specific, personalized words can shift focus, reignite motivation and help athletes fight those challenging moments.

The key as a coach or support crew? Understanding what drives the athlete. Whether it’s reminding them of a goal, reinforcing their training, or simply offering a grounding phrase; these personalized remarks can make all the difference. 

When the body starts to struggle, the mind often follows. Strategic cheering taps into sports psychology principles, helping athletes overcome these mental battles by reconnecting them with their purpose and “why.” In this example, coach Eyestone uses small details—like saying exactly what an athlete wants to hear when the going gets tough.

Takeaways for your race day

If you’re cheering for a runner, here are a few ways you can level up your support: first, learn what motivates them. Is it their goal time? A mantra they rely on? A personal reason for running? Use this knowledge to craft your encouragement. Lastly, be specific. Instead of saying, “You’ve got this,” try something more tailored to the race itself, like “You’re right on pace!” or “This is the hill you’ve been training for.” (Or better still, ask them if there are some specific words or phrases they’d find motivating.)

Eyestone’s masterclass in motivation is a reminder that support is more than just words—it’s about connecting meaningfully with the person on the course. Whether you’re coaching, cheering or even giving some self-talk, the right message can turn a good race into a great one.

In a live recording of The CITIUS MAG Podcast in New York City, U.S. Olympian Joe Klecker confirmed that he is training for his half marathon debut in early 2025. He did not specify which race but signs point toward the Houston Half Marathon on Jan. 19th.

“We’re kind of on this journey to the marathon,” Klecker said on the Citizens Bank Stage at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon Expo. “The next logical step is a half marathon. That will be in the new year. We don’t know exactly where yet but we want to go attack a half marathon. That’s what all the training is focused on and that’s why it’s been so fun. Not that the training is easy but it’s the training that comes the most naturally to me.”

Klecker owns personal bests of 12:54.99 for 5000m and 27:07.57 for 10,000m. In his lone outdoor track race of 2024, he ran 27:09.29 at Sound Running’s The Ten in March and missed the Olympic qualifying standard of 27:00.00.

His training style and genes (his mother Janis competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in the marathon and won two U.S. marathon national championships in her career; and his father Barney previously held the U.S. 50-mile ultramarathon record) have always linked Klecker to great marathoning potential. For this year’s TCS New York City Marathon, the New York Road Runners had Klecker riding in the men’s lead truck so he could get a front-row glimpse at the race and the course, if he chooses to make his debut there or race in the near future.

The Comeback From Injury

In late May, Klecker announced he would not be able to run at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in June due to his recovery from a torn adductor earlier in the season, which ended his hopes of qualifying for a second U.S. Olympic team. He spent much of April cross training and running on the Boost microgravity treadmill at a lower percentage of his body weight.

“The process of coming back has been so smooth,” Klecker says. “A lot of that is just because it’s been all at the pace of my health. I haven’t been thinking like, ‘Oh I need to be at this level of fitness in two weeks to be on track for my goals.’ If my body is ready to go, we’re going to keep progressing. If it’s not ready to go, we’re going to pull back a little bit. That approach is what helped me get through this injury.”

One More Track Season

Klecker is not fully prepared to bid adieu to the track. He plans to chase the qualifying standard for the 10,000 meters and attempt to qualify for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. In 2022, after World Athletics announced Tokyo as the 2025 host city, he told coach Dathan Ritzenhein that he wanted the opportunity to race at Japan National Stadium with full crowds.

“I’m so happy with what I’ve done on the track that if I can make one more team, I’ll be so happy,” Klecker says. “Doing four more years of this training, I don’t know if I can stay healthy to be at the level I want to be. One more team on the track would just be like a dream.”

Klecker is also considering doubling up with global championships and could look to qualify for the 2025 World Road Running Championships, which will be held Sept. 26th to 28th in San Diego. To make the team, Klecker would have to race at the Atlanta Half Marathon on Sunday, March 2nd, which also serves as the U.S. Half Marathon Championships. The top three men and women will qualify for Worlds. One spot on Team USA will be offered via World Ranking.

Sound Running’s The Ten, one of the few fast opportunities to chase the 10,000m qualifying standard on the track, will be held on March 29th in San Juan Capistrano.

Thoughts on Ryan Hall’s American Record

The American record in the half marathon remains Ryan Hall’s 59:43 set in Houston on Jan. 14th, 2007. Two-time Olympic medalist Galen Rupp (59:47 at the 2018 Prague Half) and two-time U.S. Olympian Leonard Korir (59:52 at the 2017 New Dehli Half) are the only other Americans to break 60 minutes.

In the last three years, only Biya Simbassa (60:37 at the 2022 Valencia Half), Kirubel Erassa (60:44 at the 2022 Houston Half), Diego Estrada (60:49 at the 2024 Houston Half) and Conner Mantz (60:55 at the 2021 USATF Half Marathon Championships) have even dipped under 61 minutes.

On a global scale, Nineteen of the top 20 times half marathon performances in history have come since the pandemic. They have all been run by athletes from Kenyan, Uganda, and Ethiopia, who have gone to races in Valencia (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), or Copenhagen (Denmark), and the top Americans tend to pass on those races due to a lack of appearance fees or a stronger focus on domestic fall marathons.

Houston in January may be the fastest opportunity for a half marathon outside of the track season, which can run from March to September for 10,000m specialists.

“I think the record has stood for so long because it is such a fast record but we’re seeing these times drop like crazy,” Klecker says. “I think it’s a matter of time before it goes. Dathan (Ritzenhein) has run 60:00 so he has a pretty good barometer of what it takes to be in that fitness. Listening to him has been really good to let me know if that’s a realistic possibility and I think it is. That’s a goal of mine. I’m not there right now but I’m not racing a half marathon until the new year. I think we can get there to attempt it. A lot has to go right to get a record like that but just the idea of going for it is so motivating in training.”

His teammate, training partner, and Olympic marathon bronze medalist Hellen Obiri has full confidence in Klecker’s potential.

“He has been so amazing for training,” Obiri said in the days leading up to her runner-up finish at the New York City Marathon. “I think he can do the American record.”

Just hours after Manchester Road Race officials announced that Morgan Beadlescomb was set to defend his title, the elite runner withdrew from the 2024 field.

Race officials said Beadlescomb had committed to compete in Manchester several weeks ago, and his entry was announced by race organizers Monday. He notified the Manchester Road Race Committee later on Monday about his decision not to compete in this year's event.

The 26-year-old Beadlescomb ran in the USATF 5-Kilometer Championship in New York City on Saturday and finished in 10th place. He won that race in 2023.

"We've been informed that Morgan consulted with his coach after Saturday's performance at the national 5-K race, and they decided that he would not be able to compete at the required level to give a good showing in Manchester," said Dr, Tris Carta, the longtime president of the Manchester Road Race. "We’ll certainly miss having him with us this Thanksgiving, and we hope that he’ll be back here in the near future."

Beadlescomb, an All-American runner at Michigan State University, won the 2023 MRR in a close race with runner-up Conner Mantz. A year earlier, he finished a close second here behind Mantz, who set the MRR course record of 21:04. Beadlescomb recorded 21:05, the second fastest time ever run on the Manchester course.

The reigning Manchester Road Race champion will be defending his title on Thanksgiving morning.

Morgan Beadlescomb, who won the 2023 event with an impressive finishing kick down the Main Street home stretch, has committed to return in 2024, race officials announced Monday. Beadlescomb, of Ann Arbor, MI, will be making his third straight Turkey Day appearance in Manchester. He broke the tape last year with a time of 21:12, edging runner-up Conner Mantz by three seconds.

The 26-year-old Beadlescomb's victory last Thanksgiving reversed the results of the 2022 MRR, when Mantz won with a course record time of 21:04, one second ahead of Beadlescomb, who was the runner-up. Beadlescomb's 21:05 clocking at the 2022 road race is the second-fastest time ever run on the Manchester loop. Beadlescomb was a seven-time All-American runner at Michigan State University, where he holds the indoor and outdoor records for 5,000 meters. His personal best time for the event is 13:03.57.

"We are very pleased that Morgan is returning," said. Dr. Tris Carta, the president of the Manchester Road Race Committee. "He is a terrific competitor, and we expect that his presence will mean that we are in store for another exciting road race finish."

Beadlescomb's entry means that both of last year's winners will be competing at the 2024 MRR. Weini Kelati of Flagstaff, AR, who holds the women's course record and has won the race for the past three years in a row, has also committed to the race.

The 88th Manchester Road Race is one of only 22 events in the United States, and 298 in the world, to be designated this year as a World Athletics Label Road Race. World Athletics is the international governing body for the sport of track and field.

The road race will be staged at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28 of this year). The race, which starts and finishes on Main Street in front of St. James Church, is run on a 4.737-mile course through Manchester’s central streets. Last year, 11,060 runners registered to run in the event, which is regarded as one of America’s largest and most popular turkey trots. As of early this morning, 8,096 entrants have signed up to run this year.

The MRR's principal financial sponsors are Pratt & Whitney, ECHN, and Hoffman Lexus. The road race is organized by more than 400 volunteers from the Manchester Road Race Committee, with support from the town of Manchester.

Organisers of the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon have revealed a world-class line up for this year’s World Athletics Platinum Label road race on 3 November, led by defending champions Tamirat Tola and Hellen Obiri.

Since winning last year in a course record of 2:04:58, Tola won the Olympic title in Paris in a Games record of 2:06:26. What made his feat all the more impressive is that he was only drafted into the Ethiopian team two weeks before the Games, having initially been named as a reserve.

“I’m excited to defend my title in New York, especially coming off an Olympic-record marathon performance,” said Tola. “The hilly course and crowds in Paris definitely prepared me well for the bridges and spectators in New York, where maybe I can go even faster this year.”

Two-time Olympic medallist Bashir Abdi will also be one to watch; the Belgian earned silver at the recent Olympics, having taken bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and at the 2022 World Championships.

Three past winners – all from Kenya – are also in the field: 2022 champion Evans Chebet, 2021 winner Albert Korir, and 2019 and 2017 victor Geoffrey Kamworor. Chebet has twice won the Boston Marathon, and has finished first or second in 13 marathons. Kamworor has made it on to the podium in all four of his New York Marathon appearances.

Fellow Kenyan Abel Kipchumba, who won this year’s NYC Half Marathon, will be making his New York City Marathon debut.

The US charge is led by Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, who finished eighth and ninth respectively in the Paris Olympic marathon.

Women’s Open Division

Obiri is a three-time Olympic medallist and seven-time world medallist. Last year the Kenyan became the first woman in 34 years to win both Boston and New York in the same calendar year. So far this year, she retained her Boston Marathon title and went on to earn bronze in the Olympic marathon.

“There’s no place like New York, and I am so ready to defend my title,” said Obiri. “I have been racing very well on the roads in the US, and I hope I can have another good day that sees me in contention once we enter the final stages in Central Park.”

Fellow Kenyan Sharon Lokedi, the 2022 NYC Marathon winner, will return after finishing third last year and fourth in the Olympic marathon in Paris. The Kenyan delegation will also include 2010 champion Edna Kiplagat, four-time Olympic medallist Vivian Cheruiyot, and Sheila Chepkirui, who owns the fastest personal best in the field.

Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba will make her New York City Marathon debut and is one of the world’s most accomplished long-distance runners as a three-time Olympic and 16-time world champion. She will be joined by compatriot Senbere Teferi.

Dakotah Lindwurm, the top US finisher in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, will lead the US contingent.

Elite field

WomenSheila Chepkirui (KEN) 2:17:29Tirunesh Dibaba (ETH) 2:17:56Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN) 2:18:31Senbere Teferi (ETH) 2:19:21Dera Dida (ETH) 2:19:24Edna Kiplagat (KEN) 2:19:50Eunice Chumba (BRN) 2:20:02Sharon Lokedi (KEN) 2:22:45Hellen Obiri (KEN) 2:23:10Fatima Gardadi (MAR) 2:24:12Kellyn Taylor (USA) 2:24:29Fabienne Schlumpf (SUI) 2:24:30Aliphine Tuliamuk (USA) 2:24:37Dakotah Lindwurm (USA) 2:24:40Lily Partridge (GBR) 2:25:12Jessica McClain (USA) 2:25:46Des Linden (USA) 2:25:55Tristin Van Ord (USA) 2:25:58Khishigasaikhan Galbadrakh (MGL) 2:26:32Maggie Montoya (USA) 2:28:07Katja Goldring (USA) 2:29:01Savannah Berry (USA) 2:29:13

MenEvans Chebet (KEN) 2:03:00Gabriel Geay (TAN) 2:03:00Bashir Abdi (BEL) 2:03:36Tamirat Tola (ETH) 2:03:39Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) 2:04:23Abdi Nageeye (NED) 2:04:45Addisu Gobena (ETH) 2:05:01Abel Kipchumba (KEN) 2:06:49Albert Korir (KEN) 2:06:57Conner Mantz (USA) 2:07:47Clayton Young (USA) 2:08:00Rory Linkletter (CAN) 2:08:01Callum Hawkins (GBR) 2:08:14Ser-Od Bat-Ochir (MGL) 2:08:50Elkanah Kibet (USA) 2:09:07Noah Droddy (USA) 2:09:09Jonny Mellor (GBR) 2:09:09Jared Ward (USA) 2:09:25Colin Bennie (USA) 2:09:38Futsum Zienasellassie (USA) 2:09:40CJ Albertson (USA) 2:09:53Nico Montanez (USA) 2:09:55Yuma Morii (JPN) 2:09:59

On Tuesday, the New York Road Runners announced the elite fields for this year’s New York City Marathon on November 3. The reigning champions are returning—Hellen Obiri and Tamirat Tola—as are three of the top Americans from the Paris Olympics marathon in August: Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Dakotah Lindwurm.

Also running New York are Evans Chebet, the 2022 champion and a two-time winner of the Boston Marathon, and Bashir Abdi, who won the silver medal in Paris. Tola, a last-minute addition to the Ethiopian Olympic team and NYC course record holder, enters as the presumptive favorite after winning the gold medal in Paris. 

In addition to Mantz and Young, the American men will be represented by Elkanah Kibet, CJ Albertson, and Futsum Zienasellassie, among others.

The biggest competition for Obiri, who took bronze in Paris, will likely come from Sharon Lokedi, the winner of the 2022 New York City Marathon. Lokedi was just off the podium in Paris, finishing four seconds behind Obiri in fourth (2:23:14). Lindwurm, who placed 12th in Paris, will lead the Americans, but Jess McClain, Kellyn Taylor, and Aliphine Tuliamuk are all experienced, as is 2018 Boston Marathon winner Des Linden.

You can view the full elite fields here.

The two courses are both hilly, but the inclines in New York are more gradual. The Paris course had two major climbs, including a steep segment during mile 18 that averaged a 10.5 percent grade. In the men’s race, Tola made a strong move on the hill to separate from the field, which ended up getting him the gold medal. Although New York has 810 feet of elevation compared to 1,430 feet in Paris, it’s still a tough course—in fact, we ranked it the toughest of the six World Marathon Majors. 

There’s a relatively tight 11-week turnaround from Paris (after you factor in a week for rest). The men’s Olympic race was August 10 and the women’s race was August 11. The New York City Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, November 3.

Young, who placed ninth at the Olympics, knows 11 weeks isn’t ideal for a full marathon build—he took 16 weeks for Paris—but he’s confident he can run well in November. He’ll resume full-on training next week and is being careful to take a physical and mental break after Paris. 

“I think there can be this mentality that you want to hold onto that fitness from Paris, and that can be a debilitating mentality because if you try too hard to hang on to that fitness, you’re gonna be toast by race day by not taking a proper break,” he said. “It’s a tricky balance.”

Lindwurm, on the other hand, is used to running three marathons a year. The past two years, she’s raced the Boston Marathon in the spring, Grandma’s Marathon in June, and either the Chicago or New York City Marathon in the fall. 

“For courses like New York, I like to say it’s better to show up al dente than overcooked,” she said. “I have no issues looking at an 11 week build, especially because I’ve done Boston to Grandma’s, which I think is like seven or eight weeks, quite a few times. So that never really scares me. I feel like every marathon build you’re just building off of what you did last time, so even if I don’t get any more fit than I was in Paris, I think I’m still in a really good spot.”

In 2022, when she ran New York, she had a tough race and dropped out at mile 18. But Lindwurm said she’s a totally different runner now, so this time, she’s “back for revenge.” She’s coming in with ‘A,’ ‘B,’ and ‘C’ goals: C is to finish the race, B is to crack the top 10, and A is to get on the podium.

Young wants to be more competitive, too.

He ran a fairly conservative race in Paris, holding back slightly on the steep hill at mile 18, but his apprehension caused him to run most of the later miles by himself. “I missed the move,” he admitted. 

At New York, he hopes to race more aggressively, even if it comes with the risk of pushing too hard. “I’m excited to be able to cover more moves late in the race and to be more competitive towards the end, instead of finding myself in no man’s land,” he said. 

He’ll run the race alongside his training partner, Conner Mantz, who finished one spot ahead of him in Paris, in eighth place. The two are longtime friends, but, at the end of the day, they’re competitors. And Young is 0-4 against Mantz in marathons.

Young wants to chip away at the score.

“I love training with Conner every day, and he’s a big reason why I was able to have such a great day in Paris and at the [U.S. Olympic] Trials and previous marathons, but man, I gotta beat him sometime, right?” he said.

“I wanna be competitive with him, and so I’m excited to toe the line with him again and to have that rivalry continue, as well as our friendship.”

Two-time Boston Marathon champion Evans Chebet is unfazed by the presence of Olympic marathon champion Tamirat Tola in his quest to recapture the New York Marathon title on November 3.

Tola secured the Olympic marathon crown with a record time of 2:06:26,  beating Belgium’s Bashir Abdi (2:06:47) and Benson Kipruto (2:07:00).

The Ethiopian is the reigning New York Marathon champion after setting a course record time of 2:04:58 during last year’s edition, edging out Albert Korir (2:06:57) and Shura Kitata (2:07:11).

However, Chebet is confident Tola will not pose a threat to him in New York. “Tola won’t be a threat to my New York ambitions. I’ve raced this course before and I know the strategies I need to secure another win,” Chebet said.

Chebet secured the New York title in 2022 after cutting the tape in 2:08:41 ahead of Kitata (2:08:54) and Netherlands Abdi Nageeye (2:10:31).

The 35-year-old also reckons Tola will not have sufficient recovery time which is instrumental ahead of the race.

“Tola just raced in Paris and with two months until New York, I don’t think he will have sufficient recovery time which is crucial,” Chebet explained.

After battling a ruptured tendon that cost him his Boston title earlier this year, Chebet assures that he’s back to full fitness.

“I have now fully recovered. My body is feeling fine and I am ready for the task ahead,” he noted.

Chebet walked into the April Boston Marathon as the reigning champion but failed to defend his crown after finishing third in 2:07:22— trailing the Ethiopian duo of Sisay Lemma (2:06:17) and Mohamed Esa (2:06:58).

To ensure he is in top form, Chebet revealed that his training consists of 32km runs daily. “I do 32km daily runs—20km in the morning and 12km in the evening,” he noted.

Joining Chebet on the New York startline will be Korir, two-time champion Geoffrey Kamworor and 2021 Valencia Half Marathon winner Abel Kipchumba.

Chebet believes the trio has the potential to deliver a Kenyan podium sweep. “Kamworor, Korir, and Kipchumba are strong competitors. We’re capable of a clean sweep through teamwork,” Chebet noted.

The men’s elite race will also see Olympic silver medallist Bashir Abdi and a strong American contingent, including Conner Mantz, Clayton Young and Noah Droddy, vying for top honours.

On the women’s side, Olympic marathon bronze medallist Hellen Obiri will defend her New York crown, leading a formidable Kenyan lineup that includes 2016 Olympic 5,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot, two-time Boston Marathon champion Edna Kiplagat, and 2022 champion Sharon Lokedi.

Obiri secured the title last year with a time of 2:27:23, beating Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia (2:27:29) and Sharon Lokedi (2:27:33). Their stiffest competition will likely come from Ethiopia’s three-time Olympic champion Tirunesh Dibaba.

Getting to run by all those historic spots requires some epic climbs and descents.The final weekend of the 2024 Paris Olympics will host back-to-back days of thrilling marathons. These prestigious races, set against the backdrop of two of France’s most iconic landscapes—Paris and Versailles—will weave through a tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. They begin on August 10 with the men’s race, and then, in a nod to the 40th anniversary of the first women’s Olympic Marathon in Los Angeles, the Paris Olympics will conclude on August 11 with the women’s race for the first time in history.

Here are some of the key details you’ll want to know:

What sites will the runners pass?

It’s not a bad way to tour the area, and it’s quite different than the Paris Marathon that is held each April. Athletes will find themselves tracing a route that dances through nine arrondissements (neighborhoods) of Paris along the banks of the Seine. The runners will begin at the Hôtel de Ville, or city hall, and then pass landmarks such as the Palais Garnier opera house, Place Vendôme, the Louvre museum, and past the Trocadéro. 

Next, they will leave the city to run through historic French towns, including Sevres, on their way to Versailles. The return to the city is a different route and will take them through the Forêt Domaniale de Meudon, a forest. When back in the city, they will be on the Left Bank and run past the Eiffel Tower as well as Parisian neighborhoods. The race ends at the Esplanade des Invalides, in which Napoleon is buried.

This route is based on significant French history. In October 1789, between 6,000 and 7,000 Parisian women, joined by men, marched from the Hôtel de Ville through the city to Versailles. It was because of that march that Louis XVI agreed to ratify the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens. The marathoners are symbolically running in their footsteps. 

How tough is the course?

Unlike some more recent Olympics and U.S. Marathon Trials races, this course isn’t a circuit of repeated loops. Instead, it’s a full loop starting in Paris and loops down to Versailles outside of the city. 

While the elevation profile for the first nine miles looks fairly tame, once the runners are past the halfway mark the landscape changes. The most notable course feature is the three uphill stretches—they’re incredibly steep and very long. 

The first big hill comes just before the 10-mile mark, and it climbs at a 4 percent grade, which is roughly the same as Boston’s famed Newton hills. The difference with the Paris version is that it ascends for about 1.25 miles before it levels off for a bit. (Boston’s longest hill is less than half a mile, according to Sean Hartnett, emeritus professor of geography at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, who specializes in marathon routes and other running competitions.)

The next hill at the 12-mile mark is at 5 percent, steeper than anything on the Boston course and 900 meters long. But those two are just appetizers for the real challenge. That hits just after the 18-mile mark. 

Runners will have to climb for 600 meters, at an average grade of 10.5 percent. Yes, picture putting your treadmill at 10 percent and trying to run up it at marathon pace. Hartnett calls it a “doozy” and struggles to find courses to compare it to. The Bix 7 in Davenport, Iowa, perhaps? Then he gives up. “It’s unlike anything in any competitive road marathon,” he said. (You can view a detailed description of the 15K-33K section as mapped by Hartnett here.)

In total, the route will include 1,430 feet of elevation gain. Possibly more challenging is the 1,437 feet of descent. The make-or-break point for the route might be just after that final brutal uphill, when they are bombing downhill—at some points at a gradient of 13.5 percent. Runners will have to be efficient going down, without pounding so much they trash their quads before the final flat stretch before the finish. To put the course into some more perspective, the World Marathon Majors that are considered the hilliest—Boston and New York City—each have an elevation gain of a little over 800 total feet. And for one final nugget, the average grade of the Mount Washington Auto Road Race is 12 percent. The course record for that 7.4-miler is at around 8:00 pace. 

This course will make the fastest marathoners in the world look almost human at times.

How do the marathoners feel about the course?

Pat Tiernan, an Olympian for Australia who is running the marathon, made two trips to Paris from his training base with Puma in North Carolina to examine the course. His first trip, in early April, was just to get a feel for the course. The second, in late May, was to train on it. 

“The first thing you notice,” Tiernan said in a phone call with Runner’s World, “is that it’s going to be a brutal course. There are going to be people walking.” 

If you look closely at the official Strava route, you can spot some U.S. Olympic marathoners on the leaderboards of the course’s toughest segments.

On April 10, U.S. team member Clayton Young did a 12.80-mile run on the hilliest section of the course, where he “pushed the uphills, chilled the downhills.” During the steepest climb—right before the mile 18 split—Young tackled a .44-mile segment in 3:09, giving him a modest average pace (for a world-class marathoner) of 7:01 per mile. But if you look at Strava’s “grade adjusted pace,” which factors in elevation, that 7:01 converts to 5:03 mile pace. His average heart rate was 179 beats per minute.

Dakotah Lindwurm, a U.S. team member for the women, also previewed the course in April in a run she called, “Tour de La Olympic hills ?].” She racked up an impressive 16 “course records” during her 10.87-mile workout, and on the same steep segment that Young ran, she averaged 7:43 pace with a grade-adjusted pace of 5:21 per mile. 

Emily Sisson, the U.S. record holder in the marathon, has been training for both the hills and the flats. “We’ve been doing a lot of stuff on hills, because [we] want to come out of the hills into the last 10K feeling good,” she says. “That’s also why you don’t want to slack on 10K work, because it could be quite fast at the end. So kind of trying to do it all.” 

Tiernan agreed with Sisson on the unique challenge. If marathoners go too hard through the hills, they could struggle at the end, he said. If they go too easy through the hills and subsequent descents, they might be out of touch by the final 10K. He said the Paris course is as “if you were to do a 10K road race, then go and run a hard 10K hill cross country course, then a 10K road race.” 

If nothing else, it could make for some surprises on the podium.

When exactly are the races?

The men’s event happens on Saturday, August 10. If you want to watch live, get your favorite espresso ready. The event begins at 2 a.m. ET/11 p.m. PT in the U.S. The following day for the women’s race, the 2024 Paris Olympics fully conclude in honor of the 40th anniversary of the first women’s Olympic marathon event, won by Joan Benoit-Samuelson. The start time is also at 2 a.m. ET/11 p.m. PT.

Who are the major names in each race?

Both races are packed with star power in the form of returning Olympic champions, world record holders, and World Marathon Majors winners. The biggest storyline in the men’s race is whether Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic marathon gold medalist who many consider to be the greatest of all time, will be able to retain his crown in what may be his final Olympics at age 39.

The women’s event is even more stacked and should make for quite the event to cap off the 2024 Olympics. Newly ratified world record holder Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia will have to match speed and strategy against the likes of Hellen Obiri and Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya and the Netherlands’s Sifan Hassan, who is running the marathon after racing in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters on the track. 

Men’s Marathon Contenders

Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya (2:01:09)

Kenenisa Bekele, Ethiopia (2:01:41) 

Benson Kipruto, Kenya (2:02:16)

Tamirat Tola, Ethiopia (2:03:39)

Conner Mantz, USA (2:07:47)

Clayton Young, USA (2:08:00)

Women’s Marathon Contenders

Tigist Assefa, Ethiopia (2:11:53)

Sifan Hassan, Netherlands (2:13:44)

Peres Jepchirchir, Kenya (2:16:16)

Emily Sisson, USA (2:18:29)

Hellen Obiri, Kenya (2:21:38)

Rose Chelimo, Bahrain (2:22:51)

Fiona O’Keeffe, USA (2:22:10)

Sharon Lokedi, Kenya (2:22:45)

Did you know there is a mass participation race?

If not, now you do. It’s called the Marathon Pour Tous, and we’re pretty jealous we can’t run this one. There will be a full marathon and a 10K on the same route as the Olympic marathon on the evening of August 10. Yes, a night race in the City of Lights. More than 20,000 participants are expected for each event.

As we inch toward the fall road racing season, the 2024 Chicago Marathon is the first Abbott World Marathon Major (AWMM) to announce its men’s and women’s elite list. Last year’s elite races in Chicago saw two course records and one world record set by the late Kelvin Kiptum—something that will be hard to beat. But the 2024 field does not lack talent or potential, with former world champion and fourth-fastest marathoner in history Ruth Chepngetich headlining the women’s field and world 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo making his marathon debut in the men’s field.

The men’s race

Ebenyo has had a successful career on the track, winning multiple medals at World Championships and Commonwealth Games, but never individual gold. He is currently ranked by World Athletics as the top 10,000m runner in the world, holding a personal best of 26:57.80, which he set in 2023. The 28-year-old was not selected for the 10,000m by the Kenyan Olympic team for Paris 2024 after an eighth-place finish at the Kenyan Trials.

Although the Kenyan star has had success on the track, he has also flourished in his short career on the roads, winning silver in the half-marathon at the inaugural World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia. He holds a personal best of 59:04 for the half distance and a world best over 25 km (1:11:13).

Ebenyo’s potential over 42.2 km will be hard to predict; many people had high expectations for three-time world 10,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda, but he struggled in his marathon debut last December in Valencia, clocking 2:08:59 for 37th place.

Joining Ebenyo in the men’s field is 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto, who has the fastest personal best in the field (2:03:13 from the 2022 Tokyo Marathon). Kipruto has podiumed at three of the six AWMMs and is known as one of the best tactical marathoners in the world. Chicago will be Kipruto’s first marathon since his seventh-place finish in Berlin last year.

The lone Canadian in the men’s field is Phil Parrot-Migas of London, Ont. This will be the third marathon of his career. He holds a personal best of 2:15:53, set in Hamburg in April.

The women’s field

At the 2022 Chicago Marathon, Chepngetich was on a world-record pace until the final kilometre, ultimately missing it by 14 seconds (2:14:18). This capped off her second-straight Chicago victory, following in the footsteps of her compatriot, Brigid Kosgei. Last year, Chepngetich was second to Sifan Hassan’s course record-setting run, in 2:15:37. Her personal best is the fastest in the field by a minute and a half, and with her experience on the flat and fast course, she’s going to be a tough athlete to beat come Oct. 13.

Besides Chepngetich, there’s a strong American contingent, consisting of three of the country’s top five fastest marathoners: Keira D’Amato, Sara Hall and Betsy Saina. D’Amato had a rough go at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, and was unable to finish, due to injury. Months later, she announced a coaching change and a planned move to Utah to train under distance running guru Ed Eyestone, the coach of U.S. Olympic marathoners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young. D’Amato, who will turn 40 in October, told Runner’s World she made the switch because she wanted a different perspective on her training and a chance to learn from someone new.

Saina comes into the race as the strongest American athlete, placing in the top five of her last three marathons, including a win at the 2023 Sydney Marathon. Sydney is currently a candidate to be added as the seventh AWMM, joining Tokyo, Berlin, London, Boston, Chicago and NYC.