Two of America’s fastest marathoners, Conner Mantz and Zouhair Talbi, will spearhead the U.S. men’s squad as the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon rolls through the city on Nov. 1.
Key points
- Conner Mantz holds the North American marathon record (2:04:43) and leads the U.S. men’s squad.
- Zouhair Talbi’s 2:03:45 Boston performance is the fastest American time listed, though the course is not record‑eligible.
- The international elite includes Benson Kipruto (2:02:16), Deresa Geleta (2:02:38) and CyBrian Kotut (2:03:22).
- A deep American field spans from sub‑2:07 runners to debutants, with an estimated two million spectators expected.
On Sunday, Nov. 1, the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon will feature a U.S. men’s contingent led by North American record‑holder Conner Mantz and Boston‑time achiever Zouhair Talbi, according to world‑track.org.
Mantz entered the race with a 2:04:43 personal best set at the Chicago Marathon last year, the fastest marathon ever recorded by a North American, while Talbi posted a 2:03:45 performance in Boston – a time that, because the Boston course is not record‑eligible under World Athletics rules, does not qualify as a record but demonstrates his capability.
U.S. Contenders
The elite field they will face is anchored by Kenya’s Benson Kipruto, whose best of 2:02:16 makes him the fastest man entered, alongside Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta (2:02:38) and Kenya’s CyBrian Kotut (2:03:22).
Joining Mantz and Talbi are fellow Americans Ryan Ford (2:05:46) and Joe Klecker (2:05:56), plus a deeper pack whose marathon bests range from the low‑2:07s to debutant Ahmed Muhumed, who will run his first marathon.
Elite International Competition
Organised by the nonprofit New York Road Runners, the race holds World Athletics Platinum Label status and is expected to draw roughly two million spectators lining the city’s streets.
While East African runners have dominated recent major marathons, the strong American lineup hopes to challenge that trend, with Mantz and Talbi targeting personal bests and potential podium finishes.
Reader questions
When does the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon take place?
The race is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Who are the leading American men in the race?
Conner Mantz, with a 2:04:43 personal best, and Zouhair Talbi, who ran 2:03:45 in Boston, headline the U.S. men’s field.
Who holds the fastest time among all entrants?
Kenya’s Benson Kipruto, with a marathon best of 2:02:16, is the fastest man entered in the 2026 NYC Marathon.
Source: world-track.org