Linkletter Claims Runner-Up Finish at Ottawa Marathon; Philibert-Thiboutot Sets 10K Canadian Record

Ottawa, The Gulf Observer: Rory Linkletter came tantalizingly close to achieving his dream of a first marathon victory on home soil, finishing second in the 2025 Ottawa Marathon with a time of 2:08:31 on Sunday morning.

The Calgary-born Olympian delivered a strong late surge in the 42.2-kilometre race, closing in on Kenya’s Albert Korir, who ultimately crossed the finish line just nine seconds ahead in 2:08:22. Korir, a seasoned competitor who also won the Ottawa Marathon in 2019, made a triumphant return after missing the Boston Marathon last month due to an ankle injury.

Linkletter’s performance builds on a remarkable run of recent results. The 28-year-old placed sixth in Boston earlier this year, recording a personal best of 2:07:02, the fastest time ever by a Canadian at the event. He also clocked 2:08:01 in February, securing automatic qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Reflecting on his upward trajectory, Linkletter expressed a clear focus on long-term goals. After a 47th-place finish in his Olympic debut last summer, he is now determined to reach peak form in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Rather than compete at this year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (September 13–21), Linkletter will attempt to lower the Canadian marathon record this fall — a mark currently held by Cam Levins at 2:05:36, set in the 2023 Tokyo Marathon.

Linkletter’s next appearance will be at the Edmonton Marathon’s half marathon event on August 17, where he looks forward to racing in front of family and local supporters.

Canadian Contingent Makes Impact

Among Canadian men, Tristan Woodfine of Cobden, Ontario, placed seventh in 2:13:21, followed by Blair Morgan (2:19:36) and Arnaud Francioni (2:23:07), who finished ninth and tenth, respectively.

In the women’s marathon, Kenya’s Mercy Chelangat dominated with a winning time of 2:23:33, while Anne Marie Comeau of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Quebec, was the top Canadian, finishing fourth overall in 2:33:10.

Philibert-Thiboutot Breaks 10K National Record

The weekend also saw a historic performance from Quebec City’s Charles Philibert-Thiboutot, who shattered the Canadian 10K record with a 28:06 finish under the lights on Saturday night. The 34-year-old Olympian edged out Cam Levins, breaking Ben Flanagan’s 2023 national mark by three seconds.

“This was one of the best racing experiences of my career,” said Philibert-Thiboutot. “Everything aligned — the weather, the pace, my fitness — and it all came together.”

After training in Flagstaff, Arizona in recent weeks, the two-time Olympian said his improved conditioning gave him the edge. He credited Levins for setting a fast early pace and motivating him to push harder through the race’s first eight kilometres.

Philibert-Thiboutot will return to the track on June 7 for the FAST5000 World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger and plans to pursue Olympic qualification in the 1,500m in the coming months.

Larkin Outpaces Elmore in Women’s 10K Showdown

In the women’s 10K, Gracelyn Larkin, 24, delivered an impressive comeback performance to overtake defending champion Malindi Elmore, finishing in 32:43 to Elmore’s 33:01. The veteran runner from Kelowna, British Columbia, had led by 12 seconds at the halfway mark but could not hold off the younger competitor.

“There’s great promise in the next generation,” Elmore said. “But of course, I wanted the win today.”

Erin Mawhinney of Hamilton was third in 33:09, while Lanni Marchant (33:28) and Rachel Hannah (33:38) rounded out the top six.

Natasha Wodak, last year’s women’s marathon champion and Canadian record holder, withdrew days before the race due to lingering lower-body injuries. She stated her focus remains on being ready for the World Athletics Championships later this year.