Imagine running the race of your life, smashing a record, only to find out it doesn’t count. That’s exactly what happened to Conner Mantz, a 28-year-old graduate of Brigham Young University and Sky View High School. Just two months after breaking the American half-marathon record in Houston, he was back at it at the 2025 United NYC Half. And there, this track and field star finished second and was the top American at the 2025 United NYC Half Marathon, clocking 59:15! Two seconds faster than his own American record set in Houston. But he didn’t come first! So, who did?
Mantz was just six seconds behind Abel Kipchumba, who defended his title with a winning time of 59:09—over a minute faster than 2024’s winning mark. But for Mantz, the real heartbreak isn’t just missing the win; it’s running a historic time that, officially, doesn’t exist. A personal best, an American best, but ultimately, an “illegal” record. Because the NYC Half isn’t a record-eligible course. So, despite his incredible performance, the record books won’t acknowledge it.
Mantz the Man!!!
Conner Mantz finishes second (and top American) in the 2025 United NYC Half Marathon in 59:15, two seconds faster than his American record in Houston but not on a record-eligible course. pic.twitter.com/T3UcifJ8Q1
— CITIUS MAG (@CitiusMag) March 16, 2025
So, yes we can say Conner was robbed by the rules. But why is it not counted? Well, the reason is that it doesn’t meet World Athletics and USATF requirements for an official road race record in track and field.
Here’s why:
Point-to-point course: The start and finish are too far apart, meaning tailwinds or elevation changes could unfairly help runners.
Elevation drop: If a course has too much downhill, it gives runners an advantage, making times faster than they would be on a standard course.
Since the NYC Half doesn’t meet these criteria, times run there—no matter how fast—can’t be counted as official records. So, Mantz ran a record-breaking time, but on paper, it’s like it never happened. So why did he race there in the first place? Well, this track and field star had his reasons.
After the race, in an interview with CITIUS MAG on YouTube, he explained, “This is the race I chose because I wanted to be in a race with a lot of good foreign athletes—people that pushed the pace. I wanted to be in a race that had hills, and I thought this was great preparation.” But was it really just about the competition and the hills? Nope. There was some unfinished business—something from the past he was itching to set right.
Track and field star’s no-regrets mindset
Going into the race, Conner Mantz wasn’t out to prove anything at least, not officially. He wasn’t chasing records or trying to defend his title as the top American half-marathoner. His real goal? Fix what went wrong the last time he raced the NYC Half in 2021 and get in one last solid effort before the Boston Marathon.
But on Sunday, he ended up checking off all three boxes: cleaning up his past mistakes, proving his Houston record wasn’t a fluke, and reminding everyone just how dangerous he is at any distance. His 59:15 wasn’t just fast; it was a warning shot. But this track and field’s stars resume speaks for itself.
Mantz has always been a world-class distance runner, but before Houston, his reputation was built on the marathon. He won the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, placed eighth in Paris, and seemed destined to make his mark over 26.2 miles. But now? He’s showing he’s just as lethal in the half. With the NYC Half behind him, Boston is next, and come April 21, he won’t just be running—he’ll be looking to make a statement.
The post Illegal Track Robs American Track and Field Star As New York Marathon Record Deemed Invalid Despite Career Best appeared first on EssentiallySports.
