For the second straight year, Calgary’s Rory Linkletter returned to race Ottawa just five weeks after back running the Boston Marathon–and once again, he found himself on the podium. Linkletter ran 2:09:43 to finish third overall and claim top Canadian honours. Mid-race, he even gave a little salute to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was spotted cheering outside Rideau Hall for the second consecutive year.
Since taking office last year, Carney, an avid runner himself, has seemingly made a tradition of spectating at the Ottawa Marathon, which passes by his residence at Rideau Cottage. He also made headlines last year after waving to the camera during the race broadcast.
Linkletter’s performance
At last month’s Boston Marathon, Linkletter ran to a massive 2:06:04 personal best to place 14th. But racing another marathon just five weeks later is a hard ask, and he knew the focus would be on competing well and finishing his marathon season on a high note. “All I really wanted to do today is execute a really good marathon, compete and close my season here in Ottawa with a race I could be proud of–and I feel like I did that,” he told Canadian Running.
Rory Linkletter at the 2026 Ottawa Marathon. Photo: RunOttawa
It was a back-and-forth battle among the lead runners. Over the final few kilometres, Linkletter put down several surges in an attempt to take control of the race, but each move was matched by Kenya’s Elvis Cheboi and Ethiopia’s Gizealew Ayana. Cheboi ultimately took the win in 2:09:22, with Ayana close behind in 2:09:26.
Making his marathon debut was Kelowna, B.C.’s John Gay, host of the Shakeout Podcast. Gay was the second Canadian across the line, finishing 12th overall in 2:14:16. “Sign me up for another—those are fun,” he said post-race.
Riverglade, N.B.’s Lee Wesselius crossed the line in 2:16:21 as the third Canadian and 14th overall finisher.
See here for full results from the event.
Canadian PM Mark Carney makes surprise cheering appearance at Ottawa Marathon