Connor Mantz isn’t just returning to the Chicago Marathon to compete — he’s coming back with his sights set on history. The reigning U.S. national marathon champion and top American finisher at the Paris Olympics is targeting the American marathon record of 2:05:38, set by Khalid Khannouchi in 2002.

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Breaking that mark may not be out of reach, especially when considering Mantz’s steady rise in long-distance running. Earlier this year, he shattered the 18-year-old American half marathon record by running 59:17 at the Houston Half Marathon — and then lowered it by another two seconds at the NYC Half in March.

“I feel ready to run at that pace,” said Mantz. “After Boston, where I finished with guys who have run 2:02 and 2:03, it doesn’t feel like a stretch to say I can run 2:05:30 on a looped, flat course.”

With strong momentum and growing confidence, all eyes will be on Mantz this fall as he chases one of the most prestigious records in American distance running.

Mantz’s pursuit of the American record represents more than just a time goal — it signals the arrival of a new generation of U.S. marathoners ready to challenge the global elite. If he succeeds in Chicago, it won't just be a personal milestone — it could mark a turning point for American distance running on the world stage.

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