Jess McClain, a track star competing in the US Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta, was led off course during the final leg of the race, costing her a first-place finish and a $20,000 prize. The incident occurred on Sunday when McClain followed a police escort motorcycle, the official lead vehicle, and a media motorcycle off the correct route for approximately 1,000 metres.
McClain, along with two other runners, Emma Grace Hurley and Ednah Kurgat, took the incorrect path before realising the error and turning back. Molly Born, who had been over a minute behind McClain, crossed the finish line first and claimed the $20,000 prize. McClain's final time was 1:11:27, while Born finished in 1:09:43.
In a statement on Instagram, McClain called for USA Track and Field (USATF) to 'make things right', describing the situation as 'truly sucks for everyone involved'. USATF acknowledged that the course was 'not adequately marked at the point of misdirection' but said it would not alter the results. The race was a selection event for the 2026 World Road Running Championships.
Rich Kenah, CEO of the Atlanta Track Club, took full responsibility for the error, stating that a pace vehicle left the official course during Mile 11. 'Athletes should never have to make a split-second decision between following a pace vehicle or trusting the official course,' he said, adding that a full review is underway to prevent future occurrences.
