American runner's half marathon lead wiped away after bizarre course mishap

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Jess McClain is a decorated American runner who has made the podium in several events over the course of her career and was looking to score a victory at the U.S. Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta over the weekend.

McClain was leading the race with about two miles remaining. But her race was thrown off course as she was led off the path by a media vehicle, according to Athletics Illustrated. McClain reportedly followed the media vehicle, a police motorcycle and a motorcycle with a camera.

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Jessica McClain (USA) placed eighth in the women's marathon in 2:28:32 during the World Athletics Championships at National Stadium on Sept. 14, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

McClain, Emma Grace Hurley and Ednah Kurgat were all thrown off. By the time they got back onto the right course, McClain’s lead was gone.

She finished in ninth place while Hurley and Kurgat finished in 12th and 13th respectively.

Atlanta Track Club CEO Rich Kenah took the blame for the error.

Jessica McClain placed fourth in the women's race in 2:25:46 during the U.S. Olympic Marathon Team Trials on Feb. 3, 2024. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)

"In the women’s race, a pace vehicle left the official course during Mile 11," he said in a statement to The Athletic. "As Race Director, I take full responsibility for what occurred. Athletes should never have to make a split-second decision between following a pace vehicle or trusting the official course.

"We are conducting a full review to determine exactly how and why the vehicle left the course to strengthen safeguards moving forward."

U.S. Track and Field (USATF) said it would