One of Canada’s biggest marathon stars will be taking to the start line at the 2025 Tartan Ottawa International Marathon on May 25. Canadian Olympian and 2:08 marathoner Rory Linkletter will headline the men’s marathon field alongside previously announced American athlete CJ Albertson.
The organizing team of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is thrilled to announce that notable Canadian marathoner runner @ThePapaLinks will be competing in the 2025 Tartan Ottawa International Marathon. Read the full announcement: pic.twitter.com/l8Tcqt7ldd
— Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend (@OttawaRaceWknd) March 4, 2025
This will be Linkletter’s first time running the Ottawa Marathon, despite racing the championship 10K on the Saturday of the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend for the past three years.
“I have been in Ottawa for Tamarack Race Weekend the past three years and it’s become a highlight of each year,” says Linkletter. “This will be my first time stepping up to the marathon distance [in Ottawa], and it’ll be my first marathon on Canadian soil in three years. I can’t wait to relish this opportunity.”
Linkletter is coming off the best season of his career, setting personal bests from the mile to the marathon. Last August, the 28-year-old achieved a lifetime goal by competing for his country at the Paris Olympics, where he placed 47th in 2:13:09.
In an interview with Canadian Running last fall, Linkletter described Paris as a mix of pride and disappointment. “I was proud to represent the red and white at an event I had always dreamed about competing in, but felt my race was underwhelming,” he said.
Canada’s second-fastest male marathoner has had a fantastic start to his 2025 season, setting a personal best of 60:57 at the Marugame Half-Marathon in early February, followed by a win at the Phoenix-Mesa Half Marathon just six days later.
Ottawa won’t be the only marathon for Linkletter this spring; he will also compete in the men’s elite field at the 129th Boston Marathon on April 21. Previously announced American headliner Albertson will also double up on Boston and Ottawa, which are only five weeks apart. Last fall, Albertson raced three marathons over eight weeks, running under 2:11:00 at each one, including his PB of 2:08:17 in Chicago.
It’s been three years since Linkletter last raced a marathon on Canadian soil, but he is excited to have the opportunity to run one of Canada’s top races. The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon is renowned for its scenic course through Canada’s capital and vibrant racing atmosphere. This year, participants will compete on a newly designed, flatter, and faster course spanning both Ontario and Quebec (last year’s race remained in the nation’s capital), with the added bonus of serving as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
For more information or to register for the 2025 Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, visit www.runottawa.ca.
