Two Former BYU Runners Win National Titles — and One Breaks the American Record
The BYU Cougars’ long tradition of producing elite distance runners was on full display this year, as two former athletes brought home national championships — and one etched his name into the American record books.
Conner Mantz, a two-time NCAA cross-country champion during his time at BYU, captured the men’s crown at the U.S. 20K Championships in New Haven, Connecticut. The race featured a strong professional field, but Mantz surged late to claim the national title. The victory further cements his reputation as one of the premier American road racers, and it comes on the heels of an even more historic accomplishment. Earlier this year, Mantz shattered the U.S. half-marathon record at the Houston Half Marathon, running 59 minutes, 17 seconds — 26 seconds faster than the previous mark. His performance placed him among the world’s best in the event and signaled his readiness to contend on the global stage.
On the women’s side, Aubrey Frentheway, another former Cougar standout, delivered a breakthrough performance at the same New Haven race. In her debut at the distance on the national stage, Frentheway ran 1:05:36 to win the women’s title, her first at a U.S. championship event. The victory showcased her steady development since her collegiate career in Provo and marked her as a rising name in American road racing.
Both Mantz and Frentheway trained under BYU head coach Ed Eyestone, himself a two-time Olympian. Their success continues the program’s reputation for preparing athletes who thrive beyond the collegiate level.
For BYU fans, the dual triumph served as a proud reminder of the school’s influence in American distance running — and a sign that the Cougar legacy is only getting stronger.
