Chaos at US Half Marathon Championships as Leaders Veer Off Course

Three top female runners followed lead vehicle off track in final miles, costing them chance at national titles.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The US Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta ended in controversy on Sunday as the three leading female runners - Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley, and Ednah Kurgat - followed a lead vehicle off the course with less than two miles to go. McClain was on the verge of her first national title, but the trio had to double back after realizing the mistake. McClain ultimately finished ninth, with Hurley and Kurgat right behind in 12th and 13th place. Molly Born, who was over a minute behind McClain before the mishap, ended up winning the race with a time of 1:09:43.

Why it matters

The incident at the US Half Marathon Championships highlights the importance of proper course management and race organization, especially at high-profile national events. The mix-up cost the three leading runners a chance at the national title and sparked outrage from fans and commentators who called it an "absolute disaster."

The details

With less than two miles remaining in the race, the three leading female runners - Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley, and Ednah Kurgat - followed a lead vehicle off the course, unaware that they had veered from the proper route. McClain was on the verge of her first national title at the time. The trio realized their mistake and had to double back, costing them valuable time. McClain finished ninth, while Hurley and Kurgat came in 12th and 13th. Molly Born, who was over a minute behind McClain before the mishap, ended up winning the race.

  • The US Half Marathon Championships took place on Sunday, March 2, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The players

Jess McClain

A leading female runner who was on the verge of winning her first national title at the US Half Marathon Championships before being misdirected off course.

Emma Grace Hurley

One of the top female contenders at the US Half Marathon Championships who followed the lead vehicle off course in the final miles of the race.

Ednah Kurgat

Another top female runner at the US Half Marathon Championships who was misdirected off the course along with Jess McClain and Emma Grace Hurley.

Molly Born

The runner who ended up winning the US Half Marathon Championships after the three leaders were misdirected off course.

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What they’re saying

“Absolute disaster.”

— Jonathan Gault (LetsRun.com)

What’s next

Race organizers have promised a full investigation into the incident to determine how the lead vehicle was misdirected and what steps can be taken to prevent similar issues in the future.

The takeaway

The chaos at the US Half Marathon Championships underscores the need for meticulous course planning and race management, especially at high-profile national events where the stakes are high for elite athletes. This incident will likely prompt renewed scrutiny of safety protocols and communication between race officials and participants.