ATLANTA (March 1) – USA Track & Field (USATF) on Sunday issued a statement following an incident at the 2026 USATF Half Marathon Championship in Atlanta, where several athletes in the women’s field were led off course during the final miles of the race.
According to the race report, athletes Jess McClain, Anna Grace Hurley and Ednah Kurgat followed a lead vehicle that turned off the correct route. The athletes later filed a protest that was denied, prompting an appeal.
In its statement, USATF said the jury of appeals determined the event did not meet USATF Rule 243, finding that “the course was not adequately marked at the point of misdirection.” The jury noted that the misdirection affected athletes running within the top four at the time, but ruled there was no authority under the current rulebook to change the final results.
“The event did not meet USATF Rule 243 and that the course was not adequately marked at the point of misdirection. This violation contributed to the misdirection taken by the athletes within the top four at the time of misdirection. However, the jury of appeals finds no recourse within the USATF rulebook to alter the results order of finish. The results order of finish as posted is considered final.”
The championship served as a selection event for the 2026 World Road Running Championships. However, USATF said the team will not be officially selected until May, allowing time to properly review the incident before a final decision is made.
“USATF will review the events from Atlanta carefully,” the governing body said. “While we understand athletes are eager to resolve this issue expeditiously, our process will ensure an ultimate decision is in the best interest of all athletes involved.”
USATF also clarified that the misdirection was not a matter it could directly address, stating that lead vehicles are the responsibility of the local organizing committee.
“Lead vehicles are provided and managed by the local organizing committee as per Rule 243.2.c of the 2026 USATF Competition Rules,” the statement said. “Any questions pertaining to the course and the vehicle should be directed to the local organizing committee, the Atlanta Track Club.”
