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USATF Upholds Atlanta Half Marathon Results After Lead Vehicle Error Derails Women's Leaders

The governing body says it is reviewing the mishap and will weigh it in world team selections that remain open until May.

Overview

  • With less than two miles remaining, a pace vehicle left the course and the top women followed, and Molly Born won in 1:09:43 as Jess McClain fell to ninth, Emma Grace Hurley to 12th and Ednah Kurgat to 13th.
  • USATF’s jury of appeals ruled the course was not adequately marked under Rule 243 but said there is no mechanism in the rulebook to change the posted order of finish.
  • The Atlanta Track Club accepted responsibility for the lead-vehicle error and opened a full review, noting local organizers provide and manage lead vehicles.
  • The race doubled as a selection event for the 2026 World Road Running Championships and carried a $20,000 first prize, and McClain publicly urged officials to provide remedies and stronger safeguards.
  • USATF said it continues to review the incident and explore options consistent with its rules, and the American team for Copenhagen will not be finalized until May.