The 2025 Houston Marathon and Half Marathon delivered a thrilling day of racing, cementing its place as one of the premier events on the U.S. running calendar. Known for its fast, flat course and competitive fields, this year's event lived up to its reputation as athletes shattered records and pushed the limits of endurance.
The headline of the day? Two American records fell in Houston, making it a historic moment for U.S. distance running. Thousands of runners took to the streets of Space City, with perfect racing conditions fueling some truly remarkable performances.
American Records Go Down in Houston
1. Women's Half Marathon – Emily Sisson Breaks Her Own Record
Emily Sisson delivered a stunning performance in the half marathon, setting a new American record with a blistering time of 1:05:45. She broke her own previous record of 1:06:52, which she set at the 2022 Houston Half Marathon, shaving over a minute off the mark.
Sisson’s run was a masterclass in pacing and strength. From the gun, she established herself at the front, running confidently through the streets of Houston. Despite facing strong international competition, she pushed hard in the final miles, leaving no doubt about her dominance in the half-marathon distance.
“This course has always been special to me,” Sisson said after the race. “To break my own record here in Houston is an incredible feeling. The crowd support, the flat course, and the energy of this event make it the perfect place to chase big goals.”
2. Men's Marathon – Conner Mantz Sets American Record
In the men’s marathon, Conner Mantz etched his name into the history books by breaking the longstanding American marathon record. Mantz crossed the finish line in 2:05:52, eclipsing the previous record of 2:05:38 set by Khalid Khannouchi in 2002.
Mantz, known for his gritty racing style, ran an aggressive race from the start, sticking with the lead pack and gradually picking up the pace. By mile 20, Mantz had pulled away from his competitors, running solo through the final stretch and crossing the finish line to deafening cheers from the Houston crowd.
“This has been a dream of mine for so long,” Mantz said. “To break the American record and do it in Houston, where the course is known for its speed, is a moment I’ll never forget. I’m so grateful for my team, my family, and everyone who supported me along the way.”
International Winners Shine in Houston
While the American records were the highlight of the day, the overall winners in both the marathon and half marathon showcased the depth of international talent in Houston.
Men's Marathon Winner:
Geoffrey Kipruto of Kenya took home the overall marathon title with a time of 2:03:58, making it one of the fastest marathon performances ever recorded on American soil. Kipruto surged ahead in the final 5K, pulling away from a competitive field to secure the win.
Women's Marathon Winner:
Amane Beriso of Ethiopia dominated the women’s marathon, finishing in 2:17:15. Her performance further solidified Ethiopia’s dominance in the women’s marathon scene.
Half Marathon Winners:
Men’s Half Marathon Winner: Hagos Gebrhiwet of Ethiopia stormed to victory with a time of 59:02, narrowly missing the course record.
Women’s Half Marathon Winner: Joyce Chepkemoi of Kenya claimed first place with a time of 1:04:50, showing her strength against a deep field of international competitors.
Notable Performances by American Runners
Sara Hall – Strong Showing in the Marathon
Veteran marathoner Sara Hall finished as the top American in the women’s marathon, clocking 2:21:45, a personal best that also earned her a podium finish in third place. Hall’s consistency and determination continue to make her one of the most exciting U.S. marathoners to watch.
Nico Montañez – Top American in the Men’s Half Marathon
In the half marathon, Nico Montañez finished as the top American with a time of 1:01:10, a personal best that shows he’s poised to become a key player in U.S. distance running.
Perfect Racing Conditions Fuel Fast Times
Houston’s reputation for fast times was on full display this year, thanks to near-perfect weather conditions. Temperatures hovered in the mid-40s with light winds, creating ideal conditions for runners to chase personal bests and records. The event’s flat course, excellent pacing, and incredible crowd support further contributed to the success of the day.
A Historic Day for U.S. Distance Running
The 2025 Houston Marathon and Half Marathon will go down in history as a pivotal moment for American running. With Emily Sisson and Conner Mantz setting new American records, the event demonstrated the growing strength of U.S. athletes on the global stage.
Houston once again proved why it’s one of the premier racing destinations in the world, delivering a day of unforgettable performances, fierce competition, and historic achievements.
As the running community celebrates these milestones, one thing is clear: the future of American distance running is brighter than ever.
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