Atlanta Race Organizers Award Prize Money After Wrong Turn

When police officers had to respond to an emergency during a championship race, three leading runners paid the price, but now they're getting the recognition they earned.

Jess McClain was comfortably leading the women's US half marathon championship in Atlanta when a police emergency call changed everything. Officers marking the route had to respond to an "officer down" call, and replacement officers unfamiliar with the course inadvertently led the lead vehicle astray.

McClain and her two closest challengers, Ednah Kurgat and Emma Hurley, followed the lead vehicle off the main course. Meanwhile, Molly Born, who had been more than a minute behind, crossed the finish line first while the actual leaders were trying to find their way back.

McClain finished ninth instead of first. Hurley came in 12th and Kurgat placed 13th.

The Bright Side

The Atlanta Track Club stepped up this week with a decision that puts integrity first. McClain will receive first place prize money, while Hurley and Kurgat will split the combined winnings for second and third place since they were shoulder to shoulder when they left the route.

"We are responsible for the integrity of these championships," the club said in their statement. They acknowledged that all three runners deserved to be recognized as the top finishers based on their actual performance on the course.

The confusion happened because the race used an unusual route over a footbridge not normally open to cars. When the lead vehicle driver saw a police motorcycle, he assumed the race was being rerouted and followed along.

USA Track & Field initially denied an appeal, even while acknowledging the course was inadequately marked. However, they've since announced that selection for the World Road Running Championships in September remains open, giving these athletes another chance.

Sometimes doing the right thing takes a second look, but what matters is getting there in the end.