How did Conner Mantz break the American Marathon Record?
Conner Mantz made history on Sunday morning, smashing a two-decade-old American Marathon Record with a time of 2:04:43 at the 2025 Chicago Marathon. The 28-year-old American ran an evenly paced race, splitting 1:02:19 through the halfway point and slowing by just five seconds over the final miles. His fourth-place finish not only broke Khalid Khannouchi’s 2002 record of 2:05:38 but also marked the first time an American has ever run under 2:05 on a record-eligible course.
Mantz’s effort was the culmination of careful preparation. He skipped the 2025 World Championships to focus entirely on Chicago, knowing the flat, fast course offered the perfect conditions to make history. “Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways,” explains the weather service. “Additional minor coastal flooding is possible with the morning high tides into the weekend.”
ALSO READ: Chicago marathon 2025: What time does it start, route, map, and all details
Earlier this year, Mantz clocked 2:05:08 at the Boston Marathon, a time not eligible for record purposes due to the course’s downhill profile and the start-finish separation. Still, that performance hinted at what was possible. His Chicago run confirmed it, cementing Mantz as America’s new marathon standard-bearer, as per a report by Flotrack.
How Did Jacob Kiplimo Dominate the Field?
While Conner Mantz was rewriting American history, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo was busy asserting his global dominance. The 24-year-old surged ahead of defending champion John Korir shortly after the halfway mark, passing through 13.1 miles in a blistering 1:00:16. Though he flirted with world record pace through 20 miles, fatigue set in late, yet Kiplimo still crossed the line in 2:02:23, an extraordinary performance in only his second marathon, as per a report by Flotrack.
ALSO READ: Is the stock market open on Columbus Day – will banks, post offices open? Here’s what you need to know
Jacob Kiplimo’s resume already includes a half marathon world record (56:42), two World Cross Country titles, and Olympic and World Championship medals. His Chicago triumph adds another jewel to his growing legacy. Having debuted at the London Marathon earlier this year, where he ran 2:03:37 to finish second, the Ugandan now boasts two of the fastest marathons ever run by an athlete in his first year at the distance, as per a report by Flotrack.
He plans to continue racing the 26.2-mile distance and hopes to return to Chicago in 2026 to defend his title, as per a report by NBC5 Chicago.
Canadian Rory Linkletter, who had joked with Mantz earlier about the “North American Record race,” delivered an impressive ninth-place finish in 2:06:49. His performance underscored a strong showing for North American athletes on one of the sport’s biggest stages, as per a report by Flotrack and NBC5 Chicago.
The 2025 Chicago Marathon saw over 50,000 runners hit the streets after a record-breaking 160,000 applications poured in.
ALSO READ: 3I/ATLAS mystery deepens – Astronomer claims 1-in-3 chance comet is actually an alien vessel
Here’s the full result of Chicago Marathon 2025:
Men’s elite result
Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) 2:02:23
Amos Kipruto (KEN) 2:03:54
Alex Masai (KEN) 2:04:37
Conner mantz (USA) 2:04:43
Huseydin Esa (ETH) 2:04:50
Seifu Tura (ETH) 2:05:17
Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) 2:05:31
Philemon Kiplimo (KEN) 2:06:14
Rory Linkletter (CAN) 2:06:49
Bashir ABDI (BEL) 2:07:08
Women’s elite result
Hawi Feysa (Eth) 2:14:56
MeGertu ’em (Eth) 2:17:18
Magdalena Counsel (tan) 2:18:03
Loice Chemnung (Ken) 2:18!
Mary Ngugi-Cooper (KEN) 2:19:25
Natosha Rogers (USA) 2:23:28
Dakotah Popehn (USA) 2:24:21
Florence Borelli (ARG) 2:24:23
Gabriella Rooker (USA) 2:26:32
Melody Julien (from) 2:27:09
Men’s wheelchair T53/54 result
Marcel Hug (SUI) 1:23:20
David Weir (GBR) 1:27:26
Suzuki Tomoki (JPN) 1:27:29
Aaron Pike (USA) 1:29:07
Jetze Plat (Ned) 1:29:11
Women’s wheelchair T53/54 result
Susannah Scaroni (USA) 1:38:14
Manuela Schär (SUI) 1:39:03
Tatyana McFadden (USA) 1:39:04
Eden Rainbow-Cooper (GBR) 1:41:59
Jade Hall (GBR) 1:42:35
Conner Mantz’s record-breaking run is a monumental step for American distance running. His disciplined pacing, strategic preparation, and mental toughness have raised the bar for future U.S. marathoners. With the North American Record also under his belt, Mantz now holds two of the top three marathon performances ever recorded by an American.
As the marathon world looks ahead to 2026, the spotlight will likely return to Chicago, where one man redefined American endurance, and another proved he may soon redefine the world standard.
FAQs
Who won the 2025 Chicago Marathon?
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo won the race with a stunning time of 2:02:23.
What record did Conner Mantz break?
Mantz broke the 23-year-old American Marathon Record, clocking 2:04:43 for a fourth-place finish.
as a Reliable and Trusted News Source