Canadian runner Rory Linkletter made history by breaking the national half marathon record in Houston, finishing in 59 minutes and 49 seconds. This achievement marked the first time a Canadian has completed a half marathon in under an hour. Linkletter surpassed former record holder Cam Levins by 69 seconds.
Expressing his joy after the race, Linkletter stated, “Breaking 60 minutes is significant and holds great meaning for me. Being the first Canadian to achieve this milestone is truly special. Houston has always been a place where I can showcase my speed, and it feels like the perfect stage for me.”
Levins, hailing from Black Creek, B.C., completed the race in 1 hour and 58 seconds, finishing 18th among 6,776 male runners. Linkletter, originally from Calgary, finished seventh and set a new national record for the second time in four years in Houston.
Linkletter, aged 29, emphasized the competitive nature of the race, highlighting that it was not paced, allowing him to push his limits. He credited the supportive presence of his coach Jon Green and training partners during the event.
Having achieved three victories over Levins in previous half marathon competitions, Linkletter showcased his prowess once again in Houston, building on his personal best performances. Levins, acknowledging Linkletter’s speed, expressed his satisfaction with his own progress and emphasized his determination to lower the national half marathon record.
Looking ahead, Linkletter plans to participate in upcoming races, including a spring half marathon and two marathons. He also aims to compete at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen later this year.
In a separate event, Canadian runner Erin Mawhinney achieved a personal best time of 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 36 seconds in the Houston Marathon, finishing fifth among elite female runners. Coached by Reid Coolsaet, Mawhinney’s performance marked a significant improvement in her marathon career.
Additionally, Moh Ahmed faced challenges at the World Athletics Cross-Country Championships due to hamstring cramping, forcing him to withdraw from the men’s senior 10 km race. Despite the setback, Ahmed remains focused on his recovery and future competitions.
The Canadian team’s results at the cross-country championships showcased a mix of performances across various categories, with notable achievements and experiences for the athletes representing Canada on the global stage.