Rory Linkletter Targets Boston and Ottawa Marathons for Olympic Preparation

Apr 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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Professional marathoner Rory Linkletter has outlined his 2025 schedule, focusing on two spring races rather than the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The Canadian-turned-American athlete aims to redeem himself after a disappointing debut at the Boston Marathon in 2021 and secure victories in both Boston and Ottawa. With aspirations of achieving faster times and possibly running sub-2:06 within the next couple of years, Linkletter is carefully planning his competitive calendar leading up to the Los Angeles Olympics.

Linkletter's journey back to Boston begins with high expectations following an impressive personal best in the 10,000 meters earlier this year. His preparation includes a rigorous training regimen that saw him average over 200 kilometers per week during a six-week period. Drawing from advice shared by seasoned competitors like Scott Fauble and Ryan Hall, Linkletter feels equipped to tackle the challenging Newton Hills—a hallmark feature of the Boston course. Despite past setbacks, he remains optimistic about his performance potential and emphasizes the importance of maintaining strength throughout the race.

In addition to Boston, Linkletter will compete in the Ottawa Marathon on May 25th, where he hopes to secure his first victory in a dozen marathons. This strategic choice reflects his broader objective of finding opportunities to run fast while avoiding overly demanding conditions such as those anticipated in Tokyo. By prioritizing these events, Linkletter aims to refine his approach ahead of future competitions including possible appearances in Chicago or Valencia later this year.

Supporting Linkletter in Boston will be fellow competitor Thomas Toth alongside Rachel Hannah leading a small Canadian contingent in the women’s division. As Linkletter continues refining his strategy, his primary focus remains on demonstrating consistent improvement across all aspects of endurance racing. Whether through technical adjustments learned from previous experiences or leveraging newfound fitness levels achieved through intensive workouts, Linkletter is determined to achieve peak performance come race day.

Athletic ambition drives Linkletter toward greater heights, but it is his meticulous planning and unwavering commitment that set him apart. By targeting key marathons strategically placed within his long-term goals, he positions himself favorably against elite international fields. Success in Boston and Ottawa could pave the way for further accolades, ultimately shaping his pathway toward Olympic greatness amidst ever-evolving challenges in professional distance running.