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Jessica McClain says misdirection cost her U.S. Half Marathon lead
Summary
Jessica McClain said a media vehicle and accompanying motorcycles led her and two other runners off course with about two miles to go in the U.S. Half Marathon Championships, and she finished ninth; USA Track & Field says it is reviewing the incident and exploring options.
Content
American distance runner Jessica McClain described how she and two other competitors were led off course during the U.S. Half Marathon Championships, costing her a position she held with roughly two miles remaining. McClain posted photos and comments on Instagram about the incident and about course markings and navigation. She wrote that a media vehicle, a police motorcycle and a motorcycle with a camera were followed by her and others. USA Track & Field issued a statement saying it is reviewing the incident and looking into options that align with its rules.
What is known:
- McClain was leading the race with about two miles left when the group went off course.
- The runners followed a media vehicle, a police motorcycle and a camera motorcycle before realizing they had been misdirected.
- Jessica McClain posted on Instagram describing course markings, navigation limitations and her feelings about the outcome.
- Emma Grace Hurley and Ednah Kurgat were also misdirected; final placings reported were ninth for McClain, 12th for Hurley and 13th for Kurgat.
- USA Track & Field said it is carefully reviewing the incident and working to provide updates while exploring options that align with its rules and policies.
Summary:
The incident removed McClain's lead late in the race and affected at least three competitors' final results. USA Track & Field has announced an internal review and said it will work through possible options and provide updates as they become available.
