The 2025 Houston Half Marathon is set for an exciting showdown as a stacked field of elite runners prepares to tackle one of the world's fastest courses. With the American record in both the men's and women's races within reach, this year's event promises to be one for the record books. Will history be made on Sunday, January 19?
The 2025 Houston Half Marathon is poised for an exciting showdown as a strong field of competitors prepares to tackle one of the world's fastest courses. Over the past three years, the American women's record has been broken three times on this flat route, showcasing its potential for record-breaking performances. In 2007, Ryan Hall etched his name in history by setting the men's American record with a blazing 59:43.
Now, after 18 years, will the next generation of road racers seize the opportunity to surpass this longstanding mark this weekend? With predicted cool temperatures and sunny skies on Sunday, January 19, conditions appear ideal for achieving swift times. Keen viewers can catch the action on ABC13 from 6:30-10:00 a.m. CST. Live streaming options are also available on abc13.com and ESPN+. The elite half marathon field will kick off at 6:45 a.m. CST, followed by the elite marathoners and open runners at 6:55 a.m. CST.Last year, Weini Kelati made a stunning debut in the half marathon, shattering the American record in Houston with a time of 1:06:25. This remarkable feat propelled her to fourth place overall, surpassing the previous record set by Keira D'Amato in 2023. Kelati, an Olympic 10,000-meter finalist, joins the ranks of accomplished runners who have broken the record in this race, including Sara Hall in 2022 and Emily Sisson in 2023. This year, Kelati returns to Houston following her victory in the 10,000 meters at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials and an impressive eighth-place finish in the Paris Olympic final. Will she begin her season with a new American record on Sunday? Another notable contender is Ethiopian Buze Diriba, who closely chased Kelati for third place last year, clocking 1:06:24. The women's race also features Yalemzerf Yehualaw, a world-renowned runner currently ranked No. 5 on the all-time list after her remarkable 1:03:51 performance at the 2021 Valencia Half Marathon. However, she has unfortunately withdrawn from the race.In the men's race, the focus remains on the American record set by Ryan Hall in 2007 (59:43). Since then, only two other U.S. runners have achieved a sub-one-hour time in the half marathon: Galen Rupp (59:47 in 2018) and Leonard Korir (59:52 in 2017). This weekend, Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, Morgan Pearson, and Diego Estrada are among the contenders who have the potential to challenge this long-standing mark. Mantz and Young, both veterans of the Olympic marathon, are aiming to capitalize on their experience and deliver a breakthrough performance in the half marathon. Mantz boasts a personal best of 1:00:55 from 2021, while Young holds a 1:01:18 PR. Could their training partnership lead to another remarkable feat? Estrada, a 2012 Olympian, has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the track and roads. He finished fifth in the 2022 Houston Half Marathon with a time of 1:00:49 and secured the American record in the 25K distance earlier this year. Pearson, a two-time Olympic medalist in the mixed relay, adds another dimension to the men's field. His impressive performance at the 2024 Valencia Half Marathon, with a personal best of 1:01:08, further highlights his potential for success. Joe Klecker, a highly anticipated debutant, makes his return to competition after a season-long absence due to injury. The 2021 Olympian is eager to showcase his talent and make a mark on the Houston Half Marathon.The men's race also promises an exciting rivalry between the defending champion, Jemal Yimer, and the runner-up from last year, Wesley Kiptoo. Yimer emerged victorious in a thrilling sprint finish, crossing the line in 1:00:42, just one second ahead of Kiptoo. Their rematch in Houston is sure to be a captivating spectacle for spectators
Running Athletics Houston Half Marathon American Record Weini Kelati Ryan Hall Conner Mantz Clayton Young Diego Estrada Jemal Yimer Wesley Kiptoo
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