American runner Conner Mantz surged in the final moments to narrowly defeat Kenya’s Simu Embenyo. At the 2025 BOLDER 10K Memorial Day race held in Boulder, Colorado. Mantz crossed the finish line first with a time of 28 minutes and 21 seconds, just two seconds ahead of Embenyo, who finished in 28:23. The race captivated fans as both athletes battled fiercely down the stretch.
Ethiopian-born American Biya Simbassa claimed third place with a strong finish, clocking 28:37 and rounding out a highly competitive podium. The event showcased a thrilling mix of international talent, with Mantz’s late acceleration proving decisive in a closely contested race.
Known for his tactical racing and powerful finishing kick, Conner Mantz stayed within striking distance of the leaders throughout the course. In the final kilometres, he unleashed a decisive burst of speed.
“I felt strong coming into the last mile and knew I had to push hard to hold off the talented Kenyan runners,” Mantz said after the race.
On the other hand, Simu Embenyo, a rising Kenyan star, pushed Conner Mantz to the limit and nearly stole the victory. His steady pace and endurance highlight Kenya’s continued dominance in long-distance running. Meanwhile, Biya Simbassa, representing the United States, demonstrated resilience and speed to secure the final podium spot.
Why is the BOLDER 10K Memorial highly respected in America?
The 2025 BOLDER 10K stands as one of America’s largest and most celebrated road races. Held annually in Boulder, Colorado, it draws over 50,000 runners and 100,000 spectators, creating a vibrant Memorial Day celebration.
Since its start in 1979 as a small local race, the event has grown into a national icon, known for its festive atmosphere and competitive fields. The race finishes at the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field with a grand Memorial Day tribute, honouring the U.S. armed forces.
The BOLDERBoulder combines elite competition, community spirit, and a unique party-like vibe, making it a must-run event each year.
The 2025 BOLDER 10K Memorial Day race lived up to its reputation as one of the most exciting road races of the year. Fans witnessed an electrifying battle between top athletes, with Mantz’s last-minute surge sealing a memorable home-soil victory. The race underscored the growing strength of American distance running against the world’s best. And particularly the East Africa region which has dominated the long distance events for decades.
