{"id":691348,"date":"2026-05-24T21:25:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-24T21:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/691348\/"},"modified":"2026-05-24T21:25:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T21:25:08","slug":"rory-linkletter-salutes-pm-mark-carney-en-route-to-third-at-ottawa-marathon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/691348\/","title":{"rendered":"Rory Linkletter salutes PM Mark Carney en route to third at Ottawa Marathon"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the second straight year, Calgary\u2019s Rory Linkletter returned to race Ottawa just five weeks after \u00a0back running the Boston Marathon\u2013and 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<\/a>, who was spotted cheering outside Rideau Hall\u00a0for the second consecutive year.<\/p>\n

Since taking office last year, Carney, an avid runner himself,<\/a> 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.<\/a><\/p>\n

Linkletter\u2019s performance<\/p>\n

At last month\u2019s 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. \u201cAll 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\u2013and I feel like I did that,\u201d he told Canadian Running.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"roryRory Linkletter at the 2026 Ottawa Marathon. Photo: RunOttawa<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Elvis Cheboi and Ethiopia\u2019s Gizealew Ayana.\u00a0Cheboi ultimately took the win in 2:09:22, with Ayana close behind in 2:09:26.<\/p>\n

Making his marathon debut was Kelowna, B.C.\u2019s John Gay, host of the Shakeout Podcast. Gay was the second Canadian across the line, finishing 12th overall in 2:14:16. \u201cSign me up for another\u2014those are fun,\u201d he said post-race<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Riverglade, N.B.\u2019s Lee Wesselius\u00a0crossed the line in 2:16:21 as the third Canadian and 14th overall finisher.<\/p>\n

See here<\/a> for full results from the event.<\/p>\n

Canadian PM Mark Carney makes surprise cheering appearance at Ottawa Marathon<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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