ATLANTA - March 1, 2026 - We were honored to host the USATF Half Marathon Championships for the second consecutive year as part of Atlanta Marathon Weekend. The athletes delivered championship-level performances worthy of a national stage and the men's race delivered an exciting result.
In the women's race, a pace vehicle left the official course
during Mile 11. 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. Atlanta Track Club will make best efforts to ensure the affected athletes — Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley and Edna Kurgat — are made whole.
We regret the confusion to the athletes affected on what was
otherwise a banner day for road racing in the United States.
Rich Kenah
CEO of Atlanta Track Club