Conner Mantz may try and break Ryan Hall's American record in the half marathon THIS weekend

He would have to run around the same pace he just ran all-out over a fast 10k XC course. So no, he shouldn't get close. Then again, supershoes combined with Mormon hustle cannot be underestimated.

Good to see him giving it a try now rather than wait until he is past his peak years. Ryan Hall set the American Record at age 24. Ritzenhein ran his PR at age 26 and only got slower after that. Rupp ran his PR at 31, but would have been capable of the AR if he given it go at age 25/26:48 fitness.

Disrespectful clickbait lol cmon now

I want at least a minute to account for the spring shoes.

28:33 xc does not translate to road or track 10k pace. We saw times equivalent to track times on the roads lately.

I would convert his 10,000 track time to estimate his half on a flat road.

That’s exactly the point though. XC courses are at least a 10s/mile penalty over a road course. So basically same pace but easier effort…

Do I think he’ll do it? Probably not, but I’m stoked to see him try and I don’t think it’s an unreasonable shot to take.

He can maybe hold the pace to 15k, then he'll tank. Probably finishes in 61:30, maybe 62:xx

Good to see him aiming high through.

Ok why is mantz becoming my favorite runner right now.

Right off the xc season just decides he might as well give a shot at the American record, wow. He’s acting like he’s playing life in easy mode, but we’re in real life.

It would be a great run for him to break 61. He’s certainly not getting near Halls record.

Agree. No way. If Rupp hasn't broken it, Mantz has no chance.

Yeah it's awesome he put it out there, but let's be clear that if he doesn't break it then he is in no way a failure. It would be a tremendous debut if he could break 61

He thinks he may have a shot thanks to the new super shoes

Umm....NO....I'll be surprised/impressed if he is within a minute.

Predict 61:25

59:58

Open competition like this eliminates the age group issues of college competition, so we can cheer for Mantz with a good conscience. I hope he gets it. It is a little soft if you consider how many people have come very close to it, Korir, Rupp, Ritz have all gotten 59:59.5 or under, and the record's 59:43. Hall at the time had a 13:16 pr. Mantz gets better up distance and is tough. The bouncy shoes are worth a lot on the roads. He just would need sub-60 competition to do it. If not in Hardeeville, then go to Europe to do it in a really fast, deep field, something very few Americans try.

It would be fantastic if he did. Don’t think so though.

Woody Kincaid would have a better chance and has the ability to break it in the next twelve months if he and his coach chooses to train for it.

Lopez Lomong might be able to. He would be able to threaten many US road race records.

Joe Klecker could. It would be fun to see him give it a go. Give him another couple of years. He would be great on the roads.

Paul Chalimo possibly would be in the mix but perhaps a half is too long for him.

In time, and if he is interested after setting other American records from 5k, and 10k, on the track, Grant Fisher could set records on the roads 5k, 10k, 15k, half.

Wouldn’t it be cool if a race promoter with big bucks for appearance money and prize purse got all 6 of these guys together for a road race. Would have to be shorter than a half to interest these big hitters though.

I agree with other posters in that Mantz won't get the record, but I agree that the days of Hall's record are numbered. The WR has gone down about 50 seconds since Hall ran 59:43. The AR should also be moved down as well. Rupp could've done it, but he didn't think it was important enough until it was too late. Mantz recognizes the importance of the half marathon in today's running world and how being the American record holder would boost his marketability for years to come.

Milkyio wrote:

Rick Sanchez wrote:

Is Let’s Run going to have boots on the ground to document this historic event?

No but they might have super shoes on the ground as that is how Rojo stick gets around these days. Mantz will not get the record though.

What’s the AR for the half while pushing a dog stroller?