ROAD TO HOUSTON (EPISODE 1): JOE KLECKER VS. CONNER MANTZ

Two stars of American distance running take center stage in a mini-documentary series chronicling the journey of Conner Mantz and Joe Klecker as they prepare for the 2025 Houston Half Marathon. This two-episode series debuts on the CITIUS MAG YouTube Channel on Jan. 15th, offering an intimate look into the lives of two elite athletes with their sights set on history. Set against the backdrop of Provo and Boulder, the series follows Mantz, a two-time NCAA cross-country champion and Olympian, alongside Klecker, the U.S. Olympian and track star making his much-anticipated half marathon debut. With a rich history of personal bests and grit, both athletes aim to challenge Ryan Hall’s iconic American record of 59:43, a mark that has stood unbroken since 2007. The two episodes will delve into the athletes’ contrasting yet complementary paths: Mantz, known for his relentless drive and fearlessness in competition, and Klecker, whose return from injury showcases resilience and precision under the guidance of renowned coach Dathan Ritzenhein. Fans will witness the sacrifices, camaraderie, and unwavering ambition fueling their preparation, from grueling workouts to moments of quiet reflection. Houston’s renowned January race promises a stage fit for record-breaking attempts, where the stars of U.S. distance running will test themselves against history and each other. Watch the behind-the-scenes of Mantz and Klecker’s quest for greatness, setting the stage for what could be one of the most thrilling moments in American road racing history. Series produced by Mac Fleet, Jason DeLeon and Amy Lori. Episode 2 will drop on Saturday, Jan. 17th. Tune in and watch the 2025 Houston Half on Sunday, Jan. 18th. Race starts at 7:45 a.m. ET. Stream it live via ABC13 here: https://abc13.com/watch/live/ - Broadcast starts at 7:30 a.m. ET. FOLLOW CITIUS MAG ▶ Subscribe to the podcast: https://apple.co/3Byp72I ▶ On Twitter: http://twitter.com/CitiusMag ▶ On Instagram: http://instagram.com/citiusmag ▶ On Facebook: http://facebook.com/citiusmag ▶ Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/citiusmag ▶ On our website: http://citiusmag.com For other inquiries, contact us: chris@citiusmag.com Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment, and subscribe! Help us continue to bring track and field to your home and become a member today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjyDlyHPHLhcIT8ov53d5qg/join