Rory Linkletter, a junior track scholarship athlete at Brigham Young University, witnessed Cam Levins break a 43-year-old Canadian marathon record at the Toronto Waterfront event in 2018. Linkletter, who had already competed for Canada internationally, felt drawn to the marathon discipline. Coached by former Olympic marathoner Ed Eyestone at BYU, Linkletter found inspiration in Levins’ remarkable debut marathon time of 2:09:25.
Upon graduating with a degree in political science and communications, Linkletter made his own marathon debut in Toronto, clocking 2:16:42. With improved experience and coaching adjustments, Linkletter progressed significantly, 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.
Now, at the 47th Chicago Marathon, Linkletter aims to challenge Levins’ Canadian and North American record of 2:05:36. Expressing his motivation to be recognized among the top Canadian runners, Linkletter sees this pursuit as a significant career milestone.
Linkletter described his Chicago training as superior to his preparation for Boston, indicating a positive trajectory in his marathon performances. Reflecting on his Olympic debut in Paris as a humbling experience, Linkletter anticipates a competitive race in Chicago alongside Levins, who is eager to witness Linkletter’s performance and potentially defend his record in future races.
Having recently outpaced Levins in the Canadian half marathon championship, Linkletter’s focus is now on breaking the Canadian marathon record. Despite the challenges ahead, Linkletter remains determined to push his limits and elevate his standing in the running community.
As he prepares for the Chicago Marathon, Linkletter values the support of his friend Conner Mantz, who is also pursuing record-breaking achievements in the sport. With a strong commitment to his goals, Linkletter sees this upcoming race as an opportunity to elevate his running career to new heights.