Canadian runner Rory Linkletter made history at the Houston Half Marathon by becoming the first Canadian to finish the race in under an hour, clocking in at 59 minutes and 49 seconds. Linkletter’s impressive feat surpassed the previous Canadian record held by Cam Levins by a margin of 69 seconds.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Linkletter expressed the significance of breaking the 60-minute mark and being the trailblazer for Canadian runners in this event. He credited his success to his focused training and highlighted Houston as the ideal venue for achieving his fastest times.
Meanwhile, Levins, the former record holder, finished the race in 1 hour and 58 seconds, placing 18th overall. This marked Linkletter’s second time setting a national record in Houston, showcasing his consistent improvement in the sport.
Linkletter acknowledged the support from his coach and training partners during the race, emphasizing the competitive nature of the event. He also shared a respectful exchange with Levins post-race, with both athletes acknowledging each other’s contributions to the sport.
Looking ahead, Linkletter plans to continue his success in both half marathons and marathons, aiming to compete in upcoming races and the World Athletics Road Running Championships later in the year. His impressive performances have solidified his position as a top Canadian distance runner, setting new standards for future generations.