Rory Linkletter, while studying on a track scholarship at Brigham Young University, saw Cam Levins break a long-standing Canadian marathon record at the 2018 Toronto Waterfront event. Prior to this, Linkletter had already represented Canada at the World Cross-Country Championships in 2015 and 2017, achieving success in the NCAA championships as well. Despite his achievements, Linkletter had his sights set on the marathon.
Under the guidance of his coach Ed Eyestone at BYU, who had Olympic marathon experience, Linkletter found inspiration in Levins’s remarkable performance in Toronto. This motivated Linkletter to pursue his own marathon goals. After completing his studies, Linkletter made his marathon debut in Toronto with a time of 2:16:42.
Over time, Linkletter honed his skills and improved his marathon times 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 Chicago Marathon, Linkletter aims to challenge Levins’s Canadian and North American record of 2:05:36.
Expressing his ambition to be recognized as one of Canada’s greatest runners, Linkletter emphasized his dedication to achieving this goal. Despite his previous Olympic experience in Paris, where he finished 47th, Linkletter remains determined and focused on his pursuit of greatness.
Levins, on the other hand, eagerly anticipates Linkletter’s performance and plans to watch the race from his home in Portland. He acknowledges the competitive spirit between them, with each pushing the other to excel. Linkletter recently outpaced Levins to claim the Canadian half marathon title, signaling his progress and determination to break records.
As Linkletter prepares for the Chicago Marathon, he reflects on his training and the challenges ahead. While he acknowledges the uncertainties of the race, he is prepared to push himself to the limit and compete fiercely. With the support of his friend Conner Mantz, who aims to break an American marathon record, Linkletter is ready for the tough competition ahead.
Linkletter’s determination and hunger for success are evident as he aims to set a new Canadian record and elevate his status in the running world. His upcoming performance in Chicago could be a career-defining moment, propelling him into a new realm of elite runners.