Conner Mantz Sets American Record in Thrilling Finish at the 2025 Aramco Houston Half Marathon
Conner Mantz delivered an extraordinary performance at the 2025 Aramco Houston Half Marathon, rewriting the American record books with a sensational time of 59 minutes and 17 seconds. Despite his record-breaking achievement, Mantz narrowly missed out on the top spot in a dramatic photo finish, where Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena was declared the winner by the slimmest of margins.
Mantz’s time shattered the long-standing American half marathon record of 59:43, set by Ryan Hall in 2007. His achievement is even more remarkable given the challenging conditions on race day. Freezing temperatures and gusty winds created a demanding environment, pushing the endurance and resilience of all competitors to their limits.
The men’s race unfolded as a thrilling contest of endurance and strategy, culminating in a breathtaking final three kilometres. Mantz, Gobenaand, and Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay emerged as the leading trio, locked in a tightly contested battle. Each runner pushed the pace relentlessly, creating a spectacle of athletic determination.
As the race neared its conclusion, the intensity escalated further. The final meters saw Mantz and Gobenaand stride for stride, both clocking an identical 59:17 at the finish line. The dramatic conclusion required a photo finish to determine the winner, with Gobena ultimately edging out Mantz by the smallest of margins. Gabriel Geay also delivered an outstanding performance, finishing third with a time of 59:18, just a fraction behind the top two.
For Mantz, the race was a career-defining moment. Breaking an 18-year-old record in one of the most competitive half marathons on American soil is a testament to his talent, preparation, and grit. At just 28 years old, Mantz has solidified his status as one of the premier distance runners in the United States, with the potential for even greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
The 2025 Aramco Houston Half Marathon will be remembered as a historic race, not only for Mantz’s record-breaking feat but also for the electrifying competition that captivated fans around the world. Gobenaand’s victory and Geay’s remarkable third-place finish underscore the global nature of distance running and the depth of talent in the sport today.
For Mantz, the race was a bittersweet yet inspiring milestone. While victory narrowly eluded him, his performance etched his name in the annals of American distance running and left no doubt that his best days may still be ahead.