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In a remarkable achievement for Canadian athletics, Rory Linkletter has become the first Canadian to complete a half marathon in under one hour. On a cool Sunday morning in Houston, Linkletter clocked an impressive 59 minutes and 49 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by Cam Levins by a significant margin of 69 seconds.
This groundbreaking performance has not only cemented Linkletter’s status among the elite distance runners but also marked a significant milestone in Canadian sports history. The event, which took place on January 11, 2026, saw Linkletter finish in seventh place among 6,776 competitors, demonstrating both talent and determination.
Linkletter’s ascent in the running world
Linkletter, hailing from Calgary, has shown consistent improvement over the years. His journey to this record began on January 16, 2026, when he first broke the long-standing record of 1:01:28 previously set by Jeff Schiebler in 1999. At that time, Linkletter completed the Houston half marathon in 1:01:08, marking his entrance into the realm of record-breaking performances.
Since then, his dedication to the sport has only intensified. In his pursuit of excellence, Linkletter has achieved several personal records, including a time of 1:00:57 established in Marugame, Japan, in. Each race appears to push him further, and this latest achievement signifies the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.
A fierce rivalry with Cam Levins
Throughout his career, Linkletter has faced off against fellow Canadian runner Cam Levins multiple times. Their competitive dynamic has been thrilling to watch, with Linkletter having triumphed in all three half marathon encounters. Their first meeting was in Houston six years ago, where Linkletter finished ahead of Levins, setting the stage for a growing rivalry.
In a recent showdown at the 2026 Canadian Half-Marathon Championships, Linkletter clinched his first national title by narrowly defeating Levins by just one second, showcasing the intense competition between them. This friendly rivalry adds an exciting layer to the sport, highlighting not just the individual accomplishments but also the camaraderie and motivation shared among athletes.
Linkletter’s performance in marathon events
Linkletter’s prowess extends beyond the half marathon; he has also excelled in full marathon events. His recent marathon performances include a personal best of 2:06:49 at the Chicago Marathon, where he finished ninth. This achievement places him just over a minute from Levins’ Canadian marathon record of 2:05:36, set during the 2026 Tokyo Marathon.
Both athletes have pushed each other to new heights, significantly impacting Canadian long-distance running. Linkletter’s commitment to training and competition in various marathon events has proven his versatility and stamina. His consistent placements within the top ranks of major marathons reflect his dedication and ability to perform under pressure.
The impact of COVID-19 on training
Linkletter’s journey took an unexpected turn with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected many athletes worldwide. He made his half marathon debut just before the pandemic in early 2026, finishing in 1:01:44, a time that marked the beginning of his path to greatness. This experience taught him valuable lessons about resilience and adaptation in the face of challenges.
Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, Linkletter remained focused and committed to his training, leading to his remarkable performance this January. His ability to rise above obstacles is a testament to his character and passion for the sport.
Looking ahead
As Linkletter continues to compete, he aims to maintain his momentum and set even higher goals for himself. His social media updates reflect a positive outlook as he prepares for future races, with aspirations to break more records. The Houston half marathon has become a significant venue for him, where he has consistently improved his times and achieved personal bests.
With his sights set on upcoming competitions, Rory Linkletter is poised to inspire a new generation of athletes, proving that with hard work and determination, extraordinary accomplishments are within reach. His story is one of triumph, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of long-distance running.