by Deji Ogeyingbo
The Houston Half Marathon: A Fast Course, a Stacked Field, and a Record on the Line
The 2025 Houston Half Marathon is set to deliver another high-stakes race on one of the fastest courses in the world this weekend. Over the past three years, the flat and fast route has produced three new American records in the women’s race. The men’s record, which Ryan Hall set in 2007 with a blistering 59:43, has remained untouched for 18 years. This weekend, a new generation of American road racers will try to change that.
With clear skies and cold temperatures expected, conditions look ideal for fast times. The stage is set for another historic race.
Women’s Race: Another Record in Houston?
Last year, Weini Kelati shocked the field in her half marathon debut. The 28-year-old clocked 1:06:25 in Houston, breaking the American record by 14 seconds. Kelati, an Olympic finalist in the 10,000m, became the third woman in three years to lower the mark on this course.
That trend started in 2022 when Sara Hall ran 1:07:15, surpassing Molly Huddle’s 2018 record. The next year, Emily Sisson went even faster with a 1:06:52 before Keira D’Amato took it down again at the Gold Coast Half Marathon. Kelati’s performance in Houston continued that streak, proving that this course favors speed.
This year, she faces a deep American field. Amanda Vestri, Natosha Rogers, Lindsay Flanagan, and Lauren Hagans are all entered. Vestri, a former Syracuse University standout, ran an impressive 1:08:12 in her debut at the Orlando Half Marathon in December. She believes a sub-67:00 performance is possible in Houston. If she’s right, Kelati’s record could be in danger again.
Men’s Race: Can the Record Fall?
The men’s American record has stood since 2007 when Ryan Hall ran 59:43. Only two U.S. runners have come close since then—Galen Rupp (59:47 in 2018) and Leonard Korir (59:52 in 2017). This weekend, several top Americans will try to break the one-hour barrier and push for a new national best.
Conner Mantz and Clayton Young are among the favorites. Both finished in the top 10 of the Olympic marathon last August. Now, they’re dropping down in distance. Mantz’s personal best is 1:00:55, which ranks tenth all-time among Americans. Young has run 1:01:18. The two training partners have a history of pushing each other to breakthrough performances. Houston could be another one.
Diego Estrada is another strong contender. He came close to the American record in Houston last year, running 1:00:49. That performance put him ninth on the U.S. all-time list. In May, he broke the American 25K record, proving his fitness. Now, he’s back in Houston looking for another personal best.
Morgan Pearson is an intriguing addition to the field. The Olympic triathlete has elite-level endurance and speed. In October, he ran a personal best of 1:01:08 at the Valencia Half Marathon. That time ranks him 16th on the all-time U.S. list. If he can shave off another minute, he’ll be in the hunt for a historic finish.
Joe Klecker will make his half marathon debut. The 2021 Olympian missed last summer’s U.S. Trials due to an adductor injury. He hasn’t raced since March. Houston will be his first test back.
At the front of the pack, last year’s champion, Jemal Yimer, and runner-up, Wesley Kiptoo, will renew their rivalry. Yimer won in a sprint finish, clocking 1:00:42, just a second ahead of Kiptoo. Expect another battle.
Race Day Conditions: Cold and Fast
Runners will need to bundle up at the starting line. Temperatures will be in the upper-30s but will feel like the lower-30s with the wind. By mid-morning, conditions will warm to the upper-40s. For elite runners, these temperatures are close to perfect for fast times.
