Rory Linkletter, a track scholarship athlete in his junior year at Brigham Young University, witnessed Cam Levins break a 43-year-old Canadian marathon record at the Toronto Waterfront event in 2018. Linkletter had already represented Canada at the World Cross-Country Championships in 2015 and 2017, achieving notable success in the 10,000 meters at the NCAA championships. Despite his early achievements, his passion was always drawn towards the marathon.
Under the guidance of coach Ed Eyestone at BYU, who had Olympic marathon experience, Linkletter found inspiration in Levins’s remarkable debut marathon time of 2:09:25 in Toronto. Graduating with a major in political science and minor in communications, Linkletter made his marathon debut in Toronto, clocking 2:16:42.
Over time, with enhanced experience and coaching adjustments, Linkletter’s performance in the marathon improved significantly. He qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics with a time of 2:08:01 and achieved a personal best of 2:07:02 in Boston earlier this year. Now, at the upcoming 47th Chicago Marathon, Linkletter aims to break Levins’s Canadian and North American record of 2:05:36.
Expressing his ambitions, Linkletter stated his desire to be recognized as one of the greatest Canadian runners. His journey towards this goal has already begun. Linkletter emphasized the commitment required to achieve such a feat and the dedication needed to compete at the highest level.
Reflecting on his training for the Chicago Marathon, Linkletter compared it favorably to his preparation for the Boston race, expressing confidence in his progress. He acknowledged the humbling experience of his Olympic marathon debut in Paris in 2024, where he finished 47th, trailing Levins by 11 positions.
Looking ahead to the Chicago Marathon, Linkletter anticipates a challenging race where he will need to push himself to the limit. He acknowledged the uncertainties of the marathon and the need to adapt to unforeseen circumstances on race day. Additionally, Linkletter mentioned the possibility of moving back to Calgary with his family after retiring from competitive running.
As Linkletter prepares for the Chicago Marathon, he may find support from his friend Conner Mantz, who aims to break the American marathon record. Despite their friendship, they understand the competitive nature of the sport and are prepared to race against each other if necessary. Linkletter emphasized the significance of setting a new record and the impact it could have on his career as a professional athlete.
In summary, Rory Linkletter is poised to challenge the Canadian and North American marathon records at the upcoming Chicago Marathon. His determination, combined with his training and experience, positions him as a strong contender for achieving this significant milestone in his running career.
