Rory Linkletter, a junior track athlete on scholarship at Brigham Young University, witnessed Cam Levins break a long-standing Canadian marathon record at the Toronto Waterfront event in 2018. Despite his prior success in cross-country and track competitions, Linkletter had always been intrigued by the marathon distance.
Under the guidance of coach Ed Eyestone at BYU, Linkletter found inspiration in Levins’ remarkable 2:09:25 marathon debut time. After completing his studies in political science and communications, Linkletter ventured into the marathon realm with a debut time of 2:16:42 in Toronto. With further experience and coaching adjustments, Linkletter has made significant progress, achieving a 2:08:01 time to secure a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics and setting a personal best of 2:07:02 in Boston earlier this year.
In his upcoming challenge at the 47th Chicago Marathon, Linkletter aims to surpass Levins’ Canadian and North American record of 2:05:36. Expressing his ambition to be recognized among Canada’s top runners, Linkletter emphasized his dedication to achieving this milestone.
Having reflected on his Olympic debut in Paris as a “humbling experience,” Linkletter is determined to excel in Chicago, building on his Boston performance. Levins, anticipating Linkletter’s performance, expressed his eagerness to compete and maintain a high standard in Canadian marathoning.
Linkletter’s pursuit of breaking records extends beyond marathons, as seen in his Canadian half marathon victory over Levins. With an eye on further achievements, Linkletter remains focused on his goal, driven by the prospect of establishing himself as a prominent figure in Canadian running history.
As he gears up for the Chicago Marathon, Linkletter anticipates a challenging yet rewarding race, drawing on his past experiences and competitive spirit. Alongside his pursuit of marathon excellence, Linkletter values the camaraderie and competition with fellow elite runners, such as Conner Mantz, in his quest for personal and national accomplishments.
Reflecting on his evolving career and aspirations, Linkletter recognizes the significance of his upcoming performance in Chicago. With determination and a hunger for success, Linkletter aims to elevate his status in the running world through a potential record-breaking achievement.
