A huge faux pas at the half marathon championships in Atlanta (USA) has the running scene shaking its head. Now the local organizer has reacted and explained how the error in the route came about. Is there still a happy ending for Jessica McClain, who has been deprived of victory?
The embarrassing mistake at the half marathon championships in the USA concerns the running world. The Atlanta Track Club now sheds a little more light on the matter.
In a statement, the local organizer explained how the devastating mistake came about. The route was originally cordoned off correctly and secured with police guards.
But about 13 minutes before the lead, Jessica McClain, reached the intersection where the lead vehicle made a wrong turn, police officers received a radio message that a colleague had been injured and needed help. The police patrol then left their position at short notice. As a result, some important intersections along the route were no longer occupied and secured.
The barrier cones at the corresponding intersection were also not repositioned. Shortly afterwards, the police motorcycle took a wrong turn, the lead vehicle followed and took the wrong route off the race track.
Top trio has to turn around and loses the lead
With big consequences. The trio of Jessica McClain, Emma Grace Hurley and Ednah Kurgat followed the lead vehicle that made the wrong turn. It was only after some time that a marshal noticed the error. The runners made a U-turn and returned to the correct path. They covered about 1000 meters extra, losing over two minutes and losing their lead.
The Atlanta Track Club took full responsibility.
With the win, McClain missed out on prize money and a nomination for the US team at the upcoming 2027 World Championships in Copenhagen.
At least the three should be compensated monetarily. The Atlanta Track Club announced that it would adjust the prize money accordingly: McClain would receive the victory bonus, Hurley and Kurgat the combined money for second and third place, even though they are not officially listed in these positions.
It remains unclear whether the three will still be nominated for the US team at the World Cup. “The team will not be officially selected until May. The USATF will carefully review the events in Atlanta,” the association said. “While we understand that the athletes want this matter to be resolved quickly, our process will ensure that the final decision is made in the best interests of all athletes involved.”
On social media, the three fastest runners spoke out in favor of McClain, Hurley and Kurgat getting spots on the team.
