Edmonton Marathon apologizes, says detour error lengthened 2026 race distances

Two days after runners completed the Edmonton Marathon, the race director is apologizing after he says event officials discovered an error in accounting for detours that led to race courses being too long.

The acknowledgment confirmed what many runners said they had suspected. 

In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, Edmonton Marathon race director Tom Keogh said the distance of the half-marathon and marathon courses measured 674.7 metres longer than previously thought.

“The Edmonton Marathon’s previous statement detailing confidence in the course certification process was issued with the best information it had at the time,” Keogh said, adding that event officials conducted a thorough review of the course. 

“That review has identified an error in how this year's detour-related course adjustments were calculated and for that we sincerely apologize.

“The additional distance added for the Wellington Bridge detour was partially offset with adjustments made to the course's west end turnaround point. Upon review it was determined that the turnaround point did not fully offset the addition of the detour.”

Organizer says Edmonton Marathon routes were accurate. Elite, amateur runners disagree

Keogh said the Edmonton Marathon “owns this error.”

“We take full responsibility,” he wrote. “We appreciate the many participants who have emailed and the ones that we have followed up with to have additional conversations.”

Prior to the statement being issued, elite and amateur runners alike had raised concerns about the race distances. Four runners told CBC News on Monday they were convinced they ran too far.

Keogh told media outlets on Monday that the courses were measured correctly and confirmed on race day. 

“While we pursued the