"It's fair to say it was a great day... I've been eyeing this record for a very long time."
Remember Conner Mantz from the 2024 Paris Olympics? Yeah, that guy who made running 26.2 miles look easy? Well, he’s back — and faster than ever.
Our very own Mechanical Engineering alumnus, Conner Mantz, represented Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympic Marathon (further proving the theory that every mechanical engineer secretly doubles as a distance runner).
For context: Khalid Khannouchi, a legendary American long-distance runner, set the U.S. marathon record way back in 2002 at the London Marathon with a time of 2:05:38. Last June, Conner announced that he was coming for that record.
Fast forward to the Chicago Marathon last October — and he did it. Conner finished fourth overall with an unreal time of 2:04:43 (a 4:45-per-mile pace).
After the race, Conner said, “It’s fair to say it was a great day… I’ve been eyeing this record for a very long time.”
We couldn’t be prouder of Conner — not just for his record-breaking run, but for the heart, grit, and Cougar spirit he brings to every finish line. Here’s to chasing dreams and breaking records!