Atlanta Publix Half Marathon Women's Leaders Guided Off Course

One runner calls on officials to "make it right" after costly error

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The runner who was leading the women's race at the U.S. half marathon championships until she was mistakenly led off the course by a guide vehicle is calling for USA Track & Field to make right an outcome that cost her a spot in the world road running championships this fall.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of proper course marking and management at major running events, where even small errors can have significant impacts on the outcomes and careers of elite athletes.

The details

Jess McClain was ahead by a wide margin with about 1.5 miles to go when she and three other runners followed a police escort, official lead vehicle, and media motorcycle off the course for about one kilometer. McClain said she had to make a tight U-turn to get back on the course, costing her the national title and a spot on the U.S. team for the world championships.

  • On March 3, 2026, the U.S. half marathon championships were held in Atlanta.
  • With about 1.5 miles to go, the lead women runners were mistakenly guided off the course.

The players

Jess McClain

A runner from Phoenix who was leading the women's race at the U.S. half marathon championships when she was mistakenly led off the course.

Molly Born

The runner from Chapel Hill, North Carolina who ended up crossing the finish line first in 1 hour, 9 minutes, 43 seconds.

USA Track & Field (USATF)

The national governing body for track and field, long-distance running, and race walking in the United States.

Atlanta Track Club

The local organizing committee that was responsible for managing the lead vehicles at the Atlanta Publix Half Marathon.

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What they’re saying

“I had to come to a stop, make a tight & complete u-turn & run back onto course as a national championship title & a world team spot slipped away.”

— Jess McClain (Instagram)

“I don't really feel like the U.S. champion just because of the whole situation that went down at the end.”

— Molly Born (Fast Women YouTube channel)

“Mistakes happen & I am sure those who were leading us feel terrible about the outcome. I just hate that the athletes are ALWAYS the ones who pay the price (literally $$$)... time & time again.”

— Jess McClain (Instagram)

What’s next

The USATF said it would continue to review what took place in Atlanta and ensure an ultimate decision is in the best interest of all the athletes involved.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical importance of proper course management and marking at major running events, where even small errors can have significant impacts on the outcomes and careers of elite athletes. It also raises questions about accountability and how to ensure athletes are not unfairly penalized for mistakes made by organizers.