Who is Conner Mantz?
Conner Blair Mantz is a prominent American long-distance runner known for his exceptional achievements in cross country and road racing. Born on December 8, 1996, in Logan, Utah, Mantz gained national recognition during his collegiate career at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he secured back-to-back NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships in 2020 and 2021. Transitioning to professional running in December 2021, he has continued to excel, notably winning the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and setting a new American half marathon record in 2025
Early Life and Education
Conner Blair Mantz was born on December 8, 1996, in Logan, Utah, and raised in the scenic town of Smithfield, Utah. Surrounded by the mountainous terrain of northern Utah, Conner grew up in an environment that naturally encouraged outdoor exploration and physical activity. From a young age, he displayed a deep passion for running. By the time he was 12, Mantz had already set his sights on becoming a competitive distance runner—a vision that would one day turn into national acclaim.
He attended Sky View High School, where his running potential began to blossom. During his high school years, Mantz earned All-American honors and became a standout athlete in cross country and track. He quickly built a reputation for his remarkable endurance, work ethic, and race strategy. Notably, he competed in the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships three times, securing top-tier finishes and building his credentials for the collegiate level.
After high school, Mantz committed to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. A prestigious NCAA Division I institution, BYU was a perfect fit for both his athletic and academic aspirations. At BYU, he majored in Mechanical Engineering, balancing a rigorous academic load with the intense demands of Division I athletics. His collegiate career was briefly paused when he served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ghana, but he returned stronger, more mature, and more focused than ever.
🏡 Personal Life
Conner Mantz leads a life defined by balance, faith, and discipline. A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mantz’s values are deeply rooted in spirituality and service. His mission to Ghana Accra West Mission from 2015 to 2017 shaped not only his personal growth but also his global perspective and appreciation for cultural diversity.
Despite his rising fame in the world of long-distance running, Mantz remains humble and grounded. He is known for his quiet confidence, discipline, and unwavering focus on his goals. Away from the track, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and cycling. He is also passionate about engineering and has maintained his academic pursuits even as his athletic career has accelerated.
Mantz maintains a relatively low profile on social media, primarily using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to share race updates, training insights, and inspiration for fellow athletes. His clean lifestyle, deep faith, and commitment to excellence make him a role model for aspiring runners across the country.
🧬 Detailed Bio Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Conner Blair Mantz |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1996 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 28 years old |
| Place of Birth | Logan, Utah, U.S. |
| Hometown | Smithfield, Utah, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 125 lbs (57 kg) |
| Parents | Robert and Joanna Mantz |
| Siblings | Garrett, Clarissa, and Nathan |
| Education | Sky View High School; BYU (Mechanical Engineering) |
| Religion | Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
| Mission | Ghana Accra West Mission |
| Turned Pro | December 2021 |
| Coach | Ed Eyestone |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.59 million USD |
👨👩👦 Family
Family has always played a central role in Conner Mantz’s life and career. He was born to Robert and Joanna Mantz, who have been steadfast supporters of his athletic and academic endeavors. His parents instilled in him the importance of perseverance, faith, and humility from an early age—values that continue to shape his personality and career trajectory.
Conner has three siblings: Garrett, Clarissa, and Nathan. The Mantz household was always active and full of energy, creating an environment where competition and encouragement went hand in hand. His siblings and extended family often attend his races and cheer him on, both physically and spiritually. Whether it’s training in the mountains of Utah or competing on the world stage, Conner always acknowledges the pivotal role his family has played in his journey.
Despite the demands of an elite athletic lifestyle, Mantz remains close to his family and often returns to Smithfield during the offseason to reconnect with his roots and rejuvenate his spirit.
🏅 Career
Conner Mantz’s career is a compelling tale of talent, discipline, and breakthrough performances. After redshirting during his freshman year at BYU due to his missionary service, Mantz quickly rose to national prominence in collegiate running.
His collegiate career at BYU was nothing short of historic. Under the guidance of Coach Ed Eyestone, Mantz thrived in both cross country and track events. He captured the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championship title not once but twice, in 2020 and 2021, making him one of the few male athletes in NCAA history to win back-to-back cross country national titles. His performances during this period showcased not only his physical prowess but also his tactical intelligence and psychological resilience.
In December 2021, Conner Mantz made the decision to turn professional, signing a contract with Nike, one of the world’s premier athletic brands. His transition to professional running was seamless. In his debut marathon at the 2022 Chicago Marathon, he placed 7th overall, the highest American finisher, with a time of 2:08:16—an exceptional debut that sent waves through the long-distance running community.
In 2024, Mantz claimed victory at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando, Florida, finishing first with a time of 2:09:05, securing his place on the U.S. Olympic Team for the Paris Games. The win was a culmination of years of preparation, sacrifice, and consistent performance. It was a moment of national pride, and for Mantz, it was the realization of a lifelong dream.
Most recently, in January 2025, Conner Mantz made headlines again by breaking Ryan Hall’s long-standing American half marathon record at the Houston Half Marathon, clocking 59:17. Though he narrowly finished second in the race, his time was enough to rewrite American distance running history and proved once again that Mantz is a generational talent.
Throughout his professional journey, Mantz has remained committed to clean competition, humility, and excellence. Whether it’s training at altitude in Utah, competing on the roads of Europe, or representing Team USA on the global stage, he continues to push the boundaries of American distance running.
Conner Mantz Career Highlights Table
| Year | Event / Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-2015 | High School Cross Country & Track | Multiple-time Foot Locker Nationals qualifier; High School All-American |
| 2015-2017 | Mission Service | Served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ghana |
| 2017 | Enrolled at BYU | Joined BYU’s track and cross-country team |
| 2019 | NCAA Cross Country Nationals | Finished 3rd individually |
| 2020 | NCAA Cross Country Champion | Won individual national title (delayed race held in March 2021) |
| 2021 | NCAA Cross Country Champion | Won second consecutive NCAA title |
| 2021 | Turned Professional | Signed with Nike; began pro career |
| 2022 | Chicago Marathon Debut | 7th place (2:08:16); top American finisher |
| 2023 | Boston Marathon | Finished 11th overall in his Boston debut |
| 2024 | U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials | 1st place (2:09:05); Qualified for Paris 2024 Olympics |
| 2025 | Houston Half Marathon | Broke American record with 59:17 (2nd place overall) |
📱 Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| @connermantz | |
| @connermantz | |
| Strava | Conner Mantz |
📰 Latest News: Mantz Sets New American Half Marathon Record
In January 2025, Conner Mantz made headlines by breaking the long-standing American half marathon record at the Houston Half Marathon. He completed the race in 59:17, surpassing Ryan Hall’s 2007 record of 59:43 by 26 seconds. Despite finishing second in a photo finish to Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena, Mantz’s performance was historic, especially considering the challenging conditions of freezing temperatures and strong winds. This achievement not only earned him a $10,000 bonus but also solidified his status as one of America’s premier distance runners. Runner’s World
🏃 Physical Appearance and Height
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and weighing approximately 125 pounds (57 kg), Conner Mantz possesses the lean and agile physique typical of elite long-distance runners. His build contributes to his endurance and speed, essential qualities for his success in events ranging from 10K races to marathons. Mantz’s disciplined training regimen and physical attributes have been pivotal in his athletic achievements.
💰 Net Worth as of 2025
As of March 2025, Conner Mantz’s estimated net worth is approximately $1.59 million USD. This valuation reflects his earnings from race winnings, sponsorships, and endorsements, notably his professional contract with Nike. His financial growth parallels his rising prominence in the world of long-distance running.
FAQs
Q: Did Conner Mantz serve a mission?
A: Yes, Conner Mantz served a two-year mission in Ghana for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2015 to 2017.
Q: What shoes does Conner Mantz wear?
A: As a Nike-sponsored athlete, Conner Mantz wears Nike racing and training shoes, including models like the Nike Alphafly and Vaporfly for races.
For fans of long-distance running, Conner Mantz isn’t the only athlete making waves in the marathon scene. Another rising star worth reading about is John Korir, a Kenyan distance runner known for his speed and consistent podium finishes. Beyond the world of athletics, if you’re interested in politics and current affairs, you might also want to explore the story of Kristi Noem, a prominent political figure whose decisions and leadership style have sparked national conversations.
