U.S. Half Marathon Championship Organisers Offer $39K Compensation to Runners Led Off Course

Race winner Molly Born says she does not feel like the true winner after lead runners were diverted by a race motorbike.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Runners who were leading the USATF Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta were mistakenly led off course by a race motorbike, causing them to lose their positions. Race organizers have now committed to providing $39,000 in compensation to the three affected runners - Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley, and Ednah Kurgat. The incident occurred with under two miles remaining in the race, and the eventual winner, Molly Born, has stated she does not feel she rightfully earned the title.

Why it matters

This incident at a major national championship event raises concerns about race organization and safety protocols, as well as the fairness of the competition. It also highlights the impact that such errors can have on athletes' chances of qualifying for international teams and championships.

The details

With under two miles remaining in the USATF Half Marathon Championships, the lead vehicle mistakenly turned off course, leading the top three runners - Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley, and Ednah Kurgat - down the wrong path. The runners were forced to double back after realizing the error, resulting in significant time losses. Eventual winner Molly Born, who was over a minute behind the leaders at the time, ended up crossing the line first. Race organizers Atlanta Track Club have taken responsibility for the mistake, citing an incident involving a police officer being struck by a vehicle that led to a rerouting of the course.

  • The incident occurred with under 2 miles remaining in the race on March 1, 2026.
  • The USATF Half Marathon Championships were a selection event for the September 2026 World Championships in Denmark.

The players

Jess McClain

The runner who was leading the race at the time of the course diversion and will receive $20,000 in compensation from race organizers.

Emma Grace Hurley

One of the runners who was leading the race and will receive $9,500 in compensation from race organizers.

Ednah Kurgat

One of the runners who was leading the race and will receive $9,500 in compensation from race organizers.

Molly Born

The runner who ended up winning the race after the lead runners were diverted, but has stated she does not feel she rightfully earned the title.

Atlanta Track Club

The race organizers who have admitted full responsibility for the course diversion error and are providing $39,000 in compensation to the affected runners.

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What they’re saying

“If a spot on the world team for Copenhagen is offered to me, I do not plan to take it regardless of who it goes to because I did not fairly earn it.”

— Molly Born (Instagram)

“The lead vehicle driver for the women's race knew the course was to continue over the footbridge, but because the intersection and the traffic cones had not been reset for the race due to the arrival of emergency vehicles, the driver followed a police motorcycle off course – believing the race was being rerouted.”

— Atlanta Track Club (Statement)

What’s next

USATF has stated they will 'review the events from Atlanta carefully' before finalizing the team selection for the World Championships in May.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of robust race organization and safety protocols to ensure the fairness of major championship events. It also underscores the significant impact that such errors can have on athletes' careers and opportunities to represent their country on the global stage.