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Rory Linkletter, a 28-year-old marathon runner from Calgary, faced a pivotal decision after his Olympic debut—a moment where he contemplated a return to Utah, the place he once called home. Having grown up in Herriman and excelled at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he trained alongside athletes like Clayton Young and Conner Mantz, it was a familiar thought. However, with his former coach, Ryan Hall, stepping away, Linkletter saw an opportunity not just to reconnect with his roots but also to move forward.
After much deliberation, Linkletter chose to remain in Flagstaff, Arizona, deciding to hire Jon Green as his new coach. Green, known for his work with elite marathoners like Molly Seidel, now guides Linkletter as he embarks on what he describes as a transformative phase in his athletic career.
Fast forward six months, and Linkletter’s resolve is about to be tested as he prepares to compete in the Boston Marathon, marking his return to the course after a challenging experience in 2021. During that race, Linkletter faced various setbacks, finishing 33rd in a time of 2:23:34—a performance he candidly deems a series of unfortunate mistakes. “What could go wrong did go wrong in the race,” he recalls, acknowledging his struggles with cramping and fueling strategies.
Looking Ahead To The Boston Marathon
Set to make his seventh appearance in the marathon, Linkletter aims to improve upon his Boston record. He will race in new Puma supershoes, which he hopes will enhance his performance. At this point in his career, he boasts an impressive résumé, including six finishes under 2:13 and a personal best of 2:10:24, achieved at the Zurich Seville Marathon last year.
This time in Spain was pivotal, not just for his results, but for his growth as an athlete. Linkletter achieved an Olympic qualifying time, completing the race with laser focus on the pace set for the standards. His determination was evident as he concentrated solely on the goal at hand.
Learning The BYU Way
Linkletter’s running journey can largely be attributed to his time at BYU, where he honed his skills under head coach Ed Eyestone. His collegiate achievements include numerous NCAA Championship qualifications and All-American honors in cross country, showcasing his immense talent and work ethic. Despite his success in track and field, Linkletter chose to shift gears and pursue marathons post-graduation, leading to a career that has brought him close to breaking national records.
Initially intimidated by the record he aspires to beat—Cam Levins’ 2:05:36—Linkletter has steadily built confidence. “What felt unattainable now seems within reach,” he states, reflecting on his progress and newfound focus on achieving significant milestone times.
Preparing For The Boston Marathon
Marathon performance standards have evolved dramatically, with a record number of athletes breaking the 2:05 mark recently. Notably, conditions in the sport have been influenced by advances in shoe technology, pushing times faster than ever. Linkletter acknowledges this trend yet remains intent on focusing on his race strategy rather than comparisons with others.
“The No. 1 thing is to focus on racing,” he emphasizes, steering clear of the pressures of past performances or the allure of rapid time improvements. Instead, his training in Flagstaff has been meticulously planned under Green’s guidance, ensuring he’s both prepared and primed for success at Boston.
With rising camaraderie and competition between him and former BYU teammates as they approach the marathon, Linkletter acknowledges the friendly rivalry that fuels their competitive spirits. “It’s a friendly competition, and I’m excited to see how we all perform,” he remarks, hinting at the support and drive that comes from shared experiences.
Rory Linkletter is set to race on April 21 in a landscape filled with potential, a culmination of years of dedication and evolving as an athlete. As he lines up for the Boston Marathon, he carries aspirations not just of personal records but of cementing his place among Canada’s elite distance runners.
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