Mantz Runs 2:07:27 in New York and It's Only Good for 11th Place

Full podcast here:

(Sponsor) Afterslide - the only recovery slide that combines compression and hot or cold therapy. Use code LETSRUN26 to save 5% on 1 pair or code LETSRUN26-2 to save 10% on 2 pairs. Buy here: afterslide.com/discount/Letsrun26

Connor Mantz ran 2:07:27 at the 2026 NYC Marathon, a time that would've been the 10th fastest in NYC history before this year, and it only got him 11th place. What does it mean?

No American man has made a World Marathon Major podium since Galen Rupp at 2021 Chicago.

Are American men actually improving or just riding the super shoe/fueling wave, and should Mantz should consider a coaching change with the Olympic Trials 18 months away.

Plus: 24 Americans went sub-2:10 this year. The sport is changing fast.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Connor Mantz Runs 2:07:27 – Would You Have Taken It?
2:36 – Are American Men Actually Getting Better or Is Everyone Just Faster?
4:09 – Weldon Says Mantz Was Close to Winning; JG and RJ Disagree
6:10 – Should Mantz Leave Ed Eyestone Before the Olympic Trials?
7:13 – The 2028 Olympic Trials Field Is Getting Crowded
10:35 – Historic Times Don't Mean Anything Anymore
11:47 – Super Shoes, Fueling, and the Death of the Blow-Up
14:39 – Women's Race

Key Stats:
• Mantz 2:07:27 (11th) – would've been 10th fastest in NYC history pre-2026
• Top 4 Americans: Taoubi 2:06:43 (6th), Muhammad 2:07:09 (8th), Ford 2:07:17 (10th), Mantz (11th)
• 24 Americans sub-2:10 in 2026 (was 7 four years ago, 1 eight years ago)
• Fastest 10th-place finish in NYC history: Ford 2:07:17 (3+ min faster than previous record)
• No American WMM podium since Rupp, 2021 Chicago