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Wrong Turn, Lost Title: US Half Marathon Championship Ended in Chaos After Leaders Sent Off Course

March 2, 2026
By
Anna F.

Atlanta’s 2026 US Half Marathon Championship erupted into controversy after a lead vehicle misdirected the women’s front-runners off course with under two miles remaining, flipping the race and locking in results USA Track and Field says it can’t change.

​The 2026 US Half Marathon Championship in Atlanta ended in confusion and controversy on Sunday after the lead vehicle took the top runners in the women’s race off the official course.

(Credit: Welch Suggs)

​With less than two miles to go, Jess McClain was in clear control. The 34-year-old veteran had built a strong lead over Ednah Kurgat and Emma Hurley and looked set to claim the national title.

But as the trio followed the guide vehicle through a turn, they were led off the marked route.

​Behind them, Molly Born stayed on the correct course. More than a minute back at the time of the mistake, she moved into first place and went on to win the race.

​Carrie Ellwood finished second and Annie Rodenfels third.

McClain dropped to ninth, Hurley to 12th and Kurgat to 13th, around two minutes behind the winner. Wesley Kiptoo won the men’s race.

​USA Track and Field confirmed that the course was not adequately marked at the point where the runners were misdirected. However, the federation said its rulebook does not allow results to be changed. The official standings remain final.

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