Conner Mantz etched his name into American distance running history at the 2025 Boston Marathon, clocking 2:05:08 for fourth place and securing his status as the second-fastest U.S. marathoner ever. Only Ryan Hall’s 2:04:58 at Boston in 2011 remains ahead of Mantz’s blistering performance, which shattered his personal best by over two minutes.
The 28-year-old Utah native attacked the course from the start, leading the elite pack through a 14:20 opening 5K and hitting halfway in 61:53. Moreover,Conner Mantz clung to the lead group through the Newton hills, ultimately finishing less than 30 seconds behind winner John Korir. His time eclipses Khalid Khannouchi’s official U.S. record of 2:05:38 set on London’s record-eligible course, when considering all performances under any conditions.
“I knew I had this in me,” said Mantz post-race. “Today proves we’re ready to chase the official record.” The Brigham Young University alumnus, who already owns the American half-marathon record of 59:17, now targets a flat-course showdown this fall. Berlin or Chicago could provide the stage to break Khannouchi’s 23-year-old standard.
Meanwhile, Conner Mantz’s run redefines expectations for U.S. distance running, blending front-running courage with elite closing speed. His final 5K in 14:38 outpaced most rivals, showcasing the stamina honed under coach Ed Eyestone’s altitude-focused regimen.
Historic Context
While Boston’s point-to-point layout prevents record ratification, Conner Mantz’s time stands as a watershed moment. It marks the first sub-2:06 by an American on the course since Hall’s 2011 run and signals a new era of competitiveness against East Africa’s dominance.
Top U.S. Marathon Performances Under All Conditions Include;
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Ryan Hall – with a personal best of 2:04:58, acquired Boston 2011
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Conner Mantz – 2:05:08 acquired in Boston 2025
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Khalid Khannouchi – 2:05:38 acquired in London 2002. It has also been the standing Marathon record until Conner Mantz broke it.
Mantz’s breakthrough arrives as U.S. marathoners seek their first Olympic medal since 2004. With Paris 2024 approaching, his ascent couldn’t be timelier.
