Conner Mantz

“Whether it's true or not, that's what I’ve got to believe. That’s the faith I’ve got to have moving forward. Regardless of what other people say, or what other people think, there is power in truth and being honest with myself. There's got to be faith and there's got to be belief that I not only can close that gap, but that I am in that tier and I can compete with the best.”

My guest for today's episode is Clayton Young. While Conner Mantz's 2:05 may have stolen the headlines, Clayton Young once again proved why he belongs in any conversation about the best marathoners in America. On a competitive day in Boston, he ran 2:0:7:04 – nearly a full minute personal best to finish seventh overall, tying his highest ever finish at a World Marathon Major. He did it despite a calf cramp at mile 20 and on an up and down lead up that included some frustrating half marathon results.

But that's the kind of thing about Clayton's success, quiet consistency, big stage composure, and a resilience that keeps him right alongside the best, including his training partner and Olympic teammate, Conner Mantz. This Boston result marks their fourth straight marathon finishing as the top two Americans in every field, and every time Clayton Young shows up.

In this conversation, we get into the Boston Marathon as it unfolded, what was actually going through his head when that mile 20 move got made, when that cramp hit, and why he's so good at staying in the mix.

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Clayton Young | @_clayton_young_ on Instagram 

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OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.

SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!

LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy.

Jason and Kevin quickly recap the Boston Marathon and discuss the performances of John Korir, Sharon Lokedi and Conner Mantz. Then, they preview the London Marathon and analyze Faith Kipyegon's sub-four mile attempt.

“It became, ‘No, I’m attacking this marathon.’ It was more of an assertive mentality. Hearing the crowds roar, I was fighting for the podium… It was like, ‘This is it.’ I’m doing what I set out to do and I feel great.’ It was a very special moment. I was pretty zoned in, but I enjoyed it and I’d love to live through it again.”

On a brisk April morning in Boston, Conner Mantz delivered the marathon breakthrough that he's been waiting for. Running fearlessly from the front, Mantz surged through the Newton Hills, hung with a deep pack through about 40 kilometers, and stopped the clock in 2:05:08 seconds — a massive personal best and the second-fastest time ever run by an American. 

Boston is not a record eligible course, but this was a major performance. He finished fourth overall and just four seconds off the podium in one of the fastest editions in Boston Marathon history. It was a performance that firmly placed Mantz among the world's elite, showing he's not just America's top distance talent, but he's now a serious contender at the sport's highest level too. This came just months after breaking the American record in the half marathon in Houston and just weeks after backing that up with a 59:15 in New York. It's been a big year and it's only April.

In today's episode, Conner and I talked through that Boston effort from studying past races, to covering all the big moves, to racing for time and place. We also dig into what's next, chasing Khalid Khannouchi’s American record, and the big step forward in American distance running.

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.

SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!

LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy!

Just two days before the 129th Boston Marathon, we recorded a special live episode of Set the Pace at the Citizens House of Blues in Boston. With co-host Sam Ryan—four-time Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster and Boston Marathon runner—we dive into the racing mindset, the power of community, and what it means to cover the sport from both sides of the finish line. Then, legendary BYU coach and two-time Olympian Ed Eyestone joins us to talk about coaching elite American marathoners (including Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Keira D’Amato) and how consistency shaped his coaching philosophy. Plus, performance dietitian Lauren Thomas shares practical fueling strategies from the team at Maurten. Whether you’re lining up in Hopkinton or cheering for your favorite runners, this episode brings you right into the heart of Boston Marathon weekend.

Sam Ryan's Member Moment: (01:04)
Coach Ed Eyestone's Marathon Insights: (10:11)
Maurten's Lauren Thomas: (46:00)

 

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Jason and Kevin discuss the favorites and dark horses for the 2025 Boston Marathon, including Evans Chebet, Sisay Lemma, Conner Mantz, Hellen Obiri and Emma Bates. Then the guys chat about the return of Athing Mu, Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles podcasting about each other and the newest iteration of super shoes. 

The 2025 Boston Marathon promises an exciting blend of redemption stories, debut intrigue, and head-to-head rivalries across both elite fields. On the men’s side, defending champion Sisay Lemma returns after last year’s audacious front-running victory, facing off against 2024 Chicago champ John Korir, two-time Boston winner Evans Chebet, rising Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, and U.S. hopeful Conner Mantz. Other contenders include Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana and Americans Clayton Young and CJ Albertson, each hoping to outlast the pack or capitalize on race-day chaos.

In the women’s race, Hellen Obiri is chasing a rare three-peat in Boston, entering as the clear favorite despite a strong field. She’ll be challenged by past podium finishers Amane Beriso and Sharon Lokedi, 2:16 marathoner Yalemzerf Yehualaw, and rising marathon star Irene Cheptai. The American field is led by Keira D’Amato in her Boston debut, Emma Bates returning to form, and Dakota Popehn riding Olympic momentum. Young talents like Gabi Rooker, Jessica McClain, and Jackie Gaughan round out a promising domestic squad, with veterans Des Linden and Sara Vaughn adding experience to the mix.

Cooler temperatures, slight winds, and the Newton Hills promise another unpredictable Patriot’s Day. Tactics, toughness, and timing will determine who claims the tape on Boylston.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. ⁠Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.⁠

SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. ⁠For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.⁠

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. ⁠Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!⁠

LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. ⁠Sign up now. It’s that easy!