United by Friendship and Faith: The Journey of Two US Marathon Runners towards Paris 2024

Conner Mantz and Clayton Young have a typical friendship in many ways. They have been friends for years, live close to each other in Utah, and enjoy spending a lot of time together. Mantz and his wife have even helped out with babysitting duties, and Young once lent a hand in painting his friend's house.

But there is an extra layer of complexity to their friendship - Mantz and Young are both top marathon runners in the US and often compete against each other.

They first met in college back in 2017, and since then, they have been working together towards the common goal of representing their country at the Olympic Games.

During an intense Olympic trials race in February, they joined forces to turn their dream into a reality. The duo crossed the finish line in first and second place at the Florida event, securing their spots for Paris 2024. Despite Young appearing stronger towards the end, Mantz managed to overtake him by a mere second. Both athletes achieved their lifelong goal in a thrilling race.

Every day, I find myself discussing the Olympics and the Olympic trials," Young, 30, shares with CNN Sport during a joint interview with Mantz.

"It's a mix of emotions that hits you, and you realize, 'Yes, I made it to the Olympic team. I'm officially an Olympian.'"

Mantz mentioned that it took some time for the achievement to sink in, but now it feels more like a regular part of life as training partners gear up for Paris 2024.

Mantz and Young have trained together since 2017 after meeting in college.

Mantz and Young have trained together since 2017 after meeting in college.

James Gilbert/Getty Images

"It's pretty amazing because you never know who will perform well," said Mantz, who is 27 years old and three years younger than his friend, reflecting on their success at the Olympic trials.

While they were the top two seeds going into the race, Mantz acknowledges that in athletics, things are never straightforward. Being the favorite doesn't guarantee a spot in the final selection.

“So it was just special that it happened together. We’ve trained together for almost seven years and we’ve actually had our goals and dreams accomplished.”

Sharing a journey

They have run well over 10,000 miles together since meeting at Brigham Young University (BYU) in 2017. The pair estimate their total mileage over the years.

Both of them feel that running together has provided them with a deeper level of support, whether it is physical or mental. They agree that sharing this journey has been beneficial for them in various ways.

"We can learn from each other when we're not running, and then we push each other when we are running," Mantz shares. His personal best for the marathon is two hours, seven minutes, and 47 seconds.

Young also agrees, saying, "I imagine myself on the starting line in Paris, standing next to [Mantz] again. Training with one of the best athletes in the world gives me the confidence that I belong."

Having the opportunity to practice with him gives me the confidence that I can keep up with him in Paris as well. It's a good feeling.

However, it's important to note that both of these men are very competitive and understand that there may be a time when they need to set aside their friendship to pursue personal success - and to represent their country.

Mantz says the feeling of reaching Paris 2024 is only just starting to settle in.

Mantz says the feeling of reaching Paris 2024 is only just starting to settle in.

The two friends, who have been training together for nearly seven years, acknowledge that despite their strong bond, they sometimes experience tension during workouts.

"It's like a dance we have to do, but we always have to remember that we're stronger when we work together," says Young, who has run a marathon in two hours and eight minutes.

"We're both competitive and we always want to outdo each other. But, I've chosen to fully accept this partnership and I believe it will only make me better in the end."

Importance of faith

As well as a love for running, both men also share a joint faith, which they credit for helping them achieve so much in track and field.

Both Mantz and Young are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the largest Mormon denomination. They both served missions before meeting at college.

Mantz served his mission in Ghana, while Young spent two years on a mission in North Carolina. Young shares that his faith has been a source of comfort, helping to alleviate the overwhelming pressures of competing on a global stage.

"It can be very debilitating if my only identity is as a runner or making this Olympic team," he says, with Mantz nodding along in agreement.

"We've realized through our faith that we're more than just a couple of runners or professional athletes. We're husbands, I'm a father, and ultimately, we're sons of God."

"It has definitely played a major role in our running journey because having that eternal perspective truly keeps us grounded. While racing and striving to make an Olympic team are significant goals, we believe that life has more to offer beyond just running."

Young poses with his family after achieving his dream of making the Olympic team.

Young poses with his family after achieving his dream of making the Olympic team.

Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports via Reuters

With Paris 2024 on the horizon, both athletes are busy getting ready for the Olympics.

Young is looking forward to participating in the NYC Half on March 17, a half-marathon hosted by NY Road Runners.

More than 25,000 runners take part in the event, running from Brooklyn to Manhattan and finishing in Central Park. This race is the only time, besides New Year’s Eve, that Times Square is shut down to traffic.

This event will give Young another chance to challenge himself against top athletes before he competes for medals at the Olympic Games.

Mantz recently sustained a minor injury and had to withdraw from the half-marathon race. However, it is believed that this setback will not affect his participation in Paris 2024.

Both athletes openly acknowledge that their goal is to secure a podium finish in Paris. Nevertheless, they understand the unpredictable nature of an Olympic marathon.

Mantz admits that he and Young are both secretly aiming to win a medal in the competition, regardless of whether they openly express it or not. Young shares the same goal, stating that he will do his best to put himself in a winning position and hope for the best outcome.

The 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games are set to begin on July 26, with the men’s marathon scheduled for August 10.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the extraordinary journey of Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, two top marathon runners from the US who share a deep friendship and a common dream of Olympic glory. Their story is both inspiring and heartwarming, highlighting the power of friendship, perseverance, and faith. Their unwavering support for each other, despite being fierce competitors, is a testament to the strength of their bond. As they prepare for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, their unwavering determination and shared belief in their abilities make them formidable contenders for a podium finish.

The article also sheds light on the importance of faith in the lives of Mantz and Young. Their shared belief in God and their membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides them with a sense of purpose and perspective beyond their athletic achievements. This spiritual foundation helps them stay grounded amidst the intense pressures of elite competition and reminds them that their identities extend far beyond their accomplishments on the track. Through their inspiring journey, Mantz and Young serve as role models, demonstrating the transformative power of friendship, faith, and the pursuit of dreams.