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American distance runner Jessica McClain opened up about some of the details of how she and two others were led astray during the US Half Marathon Championships, ultimately costing her first place in the event.
McClain posted photos from her event on Instagram where she shared her thoughts and feelings about what happened. McClain led the race with about two miles to go.
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Jessica McClain competes in the women’s 10,000 meter final on Day 9 of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials on June 29, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
But her race was thrown off course when she was led off the path by a media vehicle, according to Athletics Illustrated. She followed the media vehicle, a police motorcycle and a motorcycle with a camera.
“I will do my best to walk away from this weekend remembering the joy I felt in those moments when I thought I was on my way to becoming a national champion and finally making Team USA,” she wrote in the caption.
“This is really unfortunate for everyone involved. No one ever wants this outcome. Mistakes happen and I’m sure those who led us feel terrible about the outcome. I just hate that the athletes are ALWAYS the ones paying the price (literally $$$)…time and time again. I hope and trust that the @usatf & @athleta court club can somehow make that off-course it club for some way.”
McClain wrote that “something needs to change and safeguards should be in place for athletes who are out there doing their absolute best on race day.”
“Someone has to care enough to do something. Anything. I love this sport so damn much and just want to help make it better for our younger pros and all the great athletes coming up,” she added.
Jessica McClain (USA) was eighth in the women’s marathon in 2:28:32 at the World Athletics Championships at the National Stadium on September 14, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
McClain also made several posts on her Instagram stories and laid out the course map. She wrote that “only some, but not all, major roads are marked,” adding that they had a “detailed breakdown” of course updates and construction overpasses “but no detailed street by street navigation,” which made her “even more keen to follow the motorcade.”
She said that running off course was a “recurring nightmare” for her, and that she understood that a major preview of the course, on a bus or a van, wasn’t exactly feasible due to Atlanta’s busy traffic.
She theorized that US Track and Field could provide different ways to view the course with videos or get a guided tour in the future.
US Track and Field released a statement later Monday.
“USA Track & Field continues to carefully review the incident that occurred at the USATF Half Marathon Championships and resulted in the misdirection of three athletes,” the organization said. “We understand that this is a difficult and frustrating time for athletes. This matter is a top priority for our staff and volunteer communities. We are working to provide updates as quickly as we can as we explore options that not only comply with USATF rules and policies, but also provide fair outcomes for all affected athletes. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Jessica McClain finished fourth in the women’s race in 2:25:46 at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Team Trials on February 3, 2024. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)
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McClain, Emma Grace Hurley and Ednah Kurgat were all kicked off. By the time they got back on track, McClain’s lead was gone.
She finished ninth, while Hurley and Kurgat finished 12th and 13th, respectively.
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