Rory Linkletter, a track scholarship junior 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 represented Canada internationally in 2015 and 2017, was always drawn to the marathon. Coached by Ed Eyestone, an Olympic marathoner, Linkletter made his marathon debut in Toronto after graduating with a major in political science.
Over the years, Linkletter’s dedication and coaching changes led to significant improvements in his marathon performance. 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 this year. In the upcoming 47th Chicago Marathon, Linkletter aims to challenge Levins’s Canadian and North American record of 2:05:36.
In an interview with CBC Sports, Linkletter expressed his ambition to be recognized as one of the top Canadian runners. Reflecting on his Olympic debut in Paris, he described it as a humbling experience. Levins, eager to see Linkletter’s performance, emphasized the importance of competition in pushing each other to excel.
Despite his preparations for the Chicago Marathon, Linkletter acknowledged the uncertainties of the race course and the challenges he may face. With his eyes set on breaking records and elevating his running career, Linkletter is determined to give his best effort on race day.
As Linkletter gears up for the Chicago Marathon, he anticipates a tough and competitive race, possibly alongside his friend Conner Mantz, who aims to break an American record. Linkletter remains focused on his goals, determined to achieve a career-defining performance in pursuit of his marathon aspirations.
