Rory Linkletter Returns to Ottawa to Take on the 2025 Tartan Ottawa International Marathon

Ottawa, March 4, 2025 – The organizing team of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is thrilled to announce that notable Canadian marathoner runner Rory Linkletter will be competing in the 2025 Tartan Ottawa International Marathon. One of Canada’s most accomplished marathoners, Linkletter’s participation is set to enhance the atmosphere of an already highly anticipated weekend of racing, taking place on May 24-25, 2025.

Linkletter, a Canadian Olympian in 2024, has established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the international marathon stage. He competed in the marathon at the 2022 and 2023 World Athletics Championships, finishing inside the top 20 both times. 

In February 2024, Linkletter qualified for the Paris Olympics at the Seville Marathon, finishing 13th with a personal best time of 2:08:01—making him the second-fastest Canadian marathoner ever, behind only national record holder Cam Levins. This year, he tackled two half marathons in just six days, racing the Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon in Japan, where he achieved a new personal best of 60:57, before going on to win the Mesa-Phoenix Half Marathon in Arizona with a time of 62:36. Linkletter is gearing up for the Boston Marathon alongside fellow elite runner CJ Albertson, with both athletes set to compete in Boston before taking on the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon.

His relentless determination and impressive performances in major races around the world have made him a fan favorite among the Canadian running community. Linkletter is no stranger to Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend having placed 2nd with a personal best of 28:40 in 2024, 7th in 2023 with a time of 29:51, and 2nd in 2022 with a time of 29:02, in the Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa, home of the Athletics Canada Canadian 10K Championships. “I have been in Ottawa for Tamarack Race weekend the past 3 years and it’s really become a highlight of each year,” says Linkletter. “This will be my first time stepping up to the Marathon distance, and it’ll be my first Marathon on Canadian soil in 3 years, and I can’t wait to relish this opportunity.” 

The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon is a cornerstone event of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, bringing together elite athletes, recreational runners, and enthusiastic spectators from across the globe. Recognized for its outstanding organization, vibrant atmosphere, and strong competitive field, the marathon offers participants an unforgettable racing experience in the heart of Canada’s capital region.

“I am grateful to Rory for his support of this race over the last few years,” says Stephen Andersen, Run Ottawa’s Elite Athlete Coordinator. “He is a constant and enthusiastic competitor in our 10K event and is now taking on the marathon. Rory is one of the premier marathoners on the world stage and we are very excited to watch CJ and him duel on our new, fast course.” 

The 2025 Tartan Ottawa International Marathon will showcase elite international talent while celebrating the passion and perseverance of runners of all abilities. With Linkletter in the mix, spectators can expect a thrilling race and an inspiring display of Canadian talent.

Registration for the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon is currently open, with options for in-person, virtual, and Green Bib participation. Runners of all levels are encouraged to join and experience the unparalleled excitement of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, Canada’s largest multi-day running event. 

For more information and to register, please visit the official marathon website at www.runottawa.ca.

Media contact:
Lisa Georges
media@runottawa.ca

Elite athlete contact:
Stephen Andersen
EliteProgram@runottawa.ca

About Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is Canada’s largest running and walking festival with six races, including the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, Ottawa Half Marathon presented by Desjardins, Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa, Ottawa 5K & Ottawa 2K, and Ottawa Kids Marathon, as well as three multi-event challenges. In 2024, runners and walkers in the event raised a record-breaking $1,132,150.21 for local and national charities through the Desjardins Charity Challenge.

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is one of two running events in Canada to host a World Athletics label marathon, and is host to Athletics Canada’s Canadian 10K Championships. The weekend was named Event of the Year at the 2019 Canadian Tourism Awards, and in 2020, its title sponsor Tamarack Homes won Sport Tourism Canada’s Canadian Sport Event Sponsorship Initiative of the Year Award. 

The 2025 edition of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend will take place May 24-25. For more information or to register, visit www.runottawa.ca.