2:03. Zouhair Overtakes Mantz as Top American

I’d say this was on par with his 2:05 at Houston with no tailwind and no net downhill. Both very solid runs, him and Mantz are clearly the top 2 marathon runners right now. And then a bunch of 2:06/2:09 type guys on regular courses

Bullspit. In our lifetimes, there has been a governor of CA who was born and raised in Austria yet despite his accent is every bit as American as us. Talbi came here to be educated in our "system" and is now serving in our military. Unless you've also served then he's giving more than you have to this nation.

Summary of this video.

This video features a post-race press conference with the top American finishers of the 2026 Boston Marathon, Jess McClain and Zouhair Talbi, who both set new American course records.
Key highlights from the discussion:
Record-Breaking Performances: Jess McClainfinished with a time of 2:20:49, breaking Shalane Flanagan’s previous American record (0:03-0:10). Zouhair Talbi finished in 2:03:45, surpassing Ryan Hall’s former record (0:16-0:23).
Race Mindset: Both runners expressed surprise at their fast times, noting that their primary focus during the race was on positioning rather than strictly tracking the clock (0:37-1:32).
Overcoming Challenges: Jess McClain discussed a brief incident where she dropped her fuel bottle, explaining that it was pure instinct to turn back and retrieve it, despite the small time loss (1:37-2:30).
Training & Strategy: Zouhair Talbi attributed his confidence to a consistent season of personal bests in various distances and his ability to follow the lead pack’s pace (2:32-3:54). Both athletes noted that the tailwind conditions contributed to the fast times, though they remained focused on competitive strategy (4:09-6:20).
American Running Era: The athletes reflected on the current state of American distance running. Jess McClain highlighted the strength of the American women's field (9:17-10:44), while Zouhair Talbiemphasized the importance of competitive pack running in helping athletes collectively achieve faster times (12:14-13:56).
Fan Experience: The runners shared their enthusiasm for the crowd support, specifically mentioning the energy in the Wellesley 'Scream Tunnel' (11:00-12:04).

Jess returned to get her bottle which she dropped.

Jess McClain explains that returning for her dropped bottle was an act of instinct. She notes that she felt very good each time she consumed her fuel and carbs, and she knew she needed that specific bottle to maintain her energy, especially while approaching the Newton Hill segment of the race (2:01 - 2:22).

What did Jess learn from past race setbacks?

In the press conference, Jess McClain reflects on how she has gained significant perspective from past race setbacks, such as her previous fourth-place finishes and the incident in Atlanta (7:37-7:55).
Key takeaways from her experience include:
Shifting her approach: She previously treated the sport as something she had to do "at all costs," which prevented her from finding joy in the process (7:11-7:20).
Process-oriented mindset: On this second attempt at her career, she is focusing on enjoying the act of competing and being a racer, rather than just fixating on specific outcomes (7:23-7:34).
Resilience: She notes that while not every day will be her day, she has learned to appreciate the moments when things do go well, as they don't happen often (7:53-8:02).
Persistence: Her brand has become about picking herself up and lining back up for the next opportunity, regardless of what the "universe" throws at her (8:30-8:41).

Sadly no. I'm a Mantz fan. But you can't be injured, unfit to race and classified as one of the best "right now". He was the best for a short span. Maybe he'll be that again. Maybe not. I hope he will be.

But the truth is being the best is fleeting. Hopefully we see him come back.

Graham Blanks.

Zouhair is an american soldier, let that sink in for a minute!

He is coached by an american, his agent is american, based in Colorado being tested all the time, Zouhair has been in the US system for over a decade now. I don't call him an alien, I call him an abiding citizen, if anything thank you for your service sir!

It was reported he cannot represent the US until after August 2027. Will TFN accept thus as a US record?

It doesn't matter! The more the merrier, this will be the standard now and I know Mantz will go after that mark! It's all Win for America.

Someone came to America for a better opportunity? Outrageous!

The course is not eligible for the AR.

Yeah, but difference is that Hicks CHOSE to represent GREAT BRITAIN at all the U20 and U23 World Championships. He could have easily chosen USA.

Both of Mu's parents were South Sudanese. She just happened to be born in the US.

Both of Neguse's parents were Eritrean. He just happened to be born in the US.

I hate to break this to you but, by your definition, Frank Shorter and Alberto Salazar are not Americans.

Hang on...I was under the impression from this forum that America was a horrible place. Why would anyone leave their home country to go to a horrible place?

Well, Mantz has been the best American of the last few years over the marathon (and half) distance, so I don’t think we can coronate anyone else just yet. I mean, he set the American record on a legit course in legit conditions a mere six months ago. And he would’ve run somewhere between 2:02:50 and 2:03:10 yesterday with that tailwind had he been healthy with a proper buildup. That’s just reality and obvious to anyone paying attention.

But, to your point, this is a “what have you done for me lately?” sport. I certainly hope Mantz comes all the way back too, because he is capable of a legit 2:03.xx. Zouhair might be eventually too. And he’s very much American. He’s been here for a long time, served, and assimilated. He speaks the language. He didn’t just get ushered across the border, transplanted into a sanctuary city, and then used as a pawn as a victim of “due process” being violated during a deportation dragnet.

This is a horrible take. He won the Olympic Trials in 2024, he was top American at the Olympics. He was top American in Chicago 2023, top American in NYC 2024, top American in Boston 2025, top American in Chicago 2025, set and holds the American Record in 2025. Set and holds the Half Marathon record in 2025 in Houston. He also holds the road racing records in the 10k, the 15k, the 20k, and the 30k, only giving the 25k to Casey Clinger.

He missed ONE race. One single race. And you say he can't be classified as the best "right now." He just beat Zouhair Talbi by almost 3 minutes in Chicago 2025. This is like the most extreme version of "what have you done for me lately", what have you done for me lately to absurdity. Will you keep up this energy if Hicks or Talbi has an injury and pulls out of a marathon? And to be clear, if you would, that would be only consistent, it would not be more reasonable.

I am not taking sides but saying that he missed one race is not true.

Conner talked about how important it was to run World Cross but was too dinged up to race in the trials in December. He also was entered in the NYC HM 6 weeks ago but scratched. Boston Marathon was his 3rd race this segment. He has been hurt since November of last year.

Regardless of Boston’s eligibility as a record-legal course, neither Hicks or Talbi can set an AR yet. Per USATF, if you are not eligible to represent the US in international competition (which neither athlete is), you are therefore not eligible to set an AR.

1.- Last time I checked (today) America is a continent, not a country. I guess you mean being a citizen of the United States of America, the country, and not the continent, which guess what he is both a citizen and an American, by simple logic, which may be hard to understand for Ohio natives.

2.- What culture are you referring to? Because the United States of America have not culture, unless you want to include the immigration culture and the native "American's" culture that was stolen and that you are completely oblivious to.

Go back to school.