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Women's Half Marathon Leaders Mistakenly Guided Off Course
Jess McClain calls for USATF to address outcome that cost her a spot on the world team
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. Jess McClain was ahead by a wide margin with about 1.5 miles to go when she and three other runners followed the guide vehicle on a wrong turn, forcing them to stop and turn around.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the importance of proper course marking and coordination between race organizers and officials to ensure the integrity of major running events. McClain's appeal for USATF to address the outcome underscores the high stakes for elite athletes competing for spots on the U.S. world championship team.
The details
McClain said she followed a police escort, official lead vehicle, and a media motorcycle off the course for about one kilometer. She had to come to a stop, make a tight U-turn, and run back onto the course as the national championship title and a world team spot slipped away. The next two runners who followed her off the course, Emma Hurley and Ednah Kurgat, finished 12th and 13th, respectively. Molly Born of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, crossed the finish line first.
- The incident occurred on Sunday, March 3, 2026 during the U.S. half marathon championships.
- The world road running championships are scheduled for September 20, 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The players
Jess McClain
The runner who was leading the women's race at the U.S. half marathon championships before being mistakenly led off course.
Molly Born
The runner who crossed the finish line first in 1 hour, 9 minutes, 43 seconds.
Emma Hurley
The runner who followed McClain off the course and finished 12th.
Ednah Kurgat
The runner who followed McClain off the course and finished 13th.
USA Track & Field (USATF)
The national governing body for track and field, long-distance running, and race walking in the United States.
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 noted that the American team for the world championships would not be officially selected until May, and that the governing body would continue to review what took place in Atlanta.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the need for race organizers and officials to ensure proper course marking and coordination to protect the integrity of major running events. The appeal by Jess McClain highlights the high stakes for elite athletes competing for spots on the U.S. world championship team.
