NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
American distance runner Jessica McClain opened up about some of the details of how she and two others went astray during the US Half Marathon Championships, ultimately costing her first place in the event.
McClain posted photos of her event on Instagram, sharing her thoughts and feelings about what happened. McClain was leading the race with about two miles left.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Jessica McClain competes in the women’s 10,000 meters final on day nine of the 2024 US Olympic Team Track and Field Trials on June 29, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
But her career was thrown off course when a media vehicle ran her off the road, according to Athletics Illustrated. He 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 eventually making Team USA,” she wrote in the caption.
“This really sucks for everyone involved. No one wants this outcome, ever. Mistakes happen and I’m sure those who were leading us feel really bad about the outcome. I just hate that the athletes are ALWAYS the ones paying the price (literally $$$)… over and over again. I hope and trust that @usatf and @atlantatrackclub can somehow make things right for the athletes who were thrown off course.”
McClain wrote that “something must change and safeguards must be put in place for athletes doing their best on race day.”
“Someone needs to care enough to do something. Anything. I love this sport so much and I just want to help make it better for our younger professionals and for all the amazing athletes to come,” he added.
Jessica McClain (USA) places eighth in the women’s marathon in 2:28:32 during the World Athletics Championships at the National Stadium on September 14, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Image Images)
McClain also made several posts on her Instagram Stories, introducing 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 junctions “but not detailed street-by-street navigation,” which made her “even more interested in following the caravan.”
She said getting off the tour was a “recurring nightmare” for her and she understood that a larger preview of the tour, on a bus or van, couldn’t be done because of Atlanta’s heavy traffic.
She theorized that US Track and Field could provide different ways to preview the course with videos or take a guided tour in the future.
US Track and Field issued a statement later Monday.
“USA Track & Field continues to carefully review the incident that occurred at the USATF Half Marathon Championships that resulted in the detours of three athletes,” the organization said. “We understand 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 possible while exploring options that not only align with USATF rules and policies but also provide fair results for all affected athletes. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Jessica McClain takes fourth place in the women’s race in 2:25:46 during the US Olympic Marathon Team Trials on February 3, 2024. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
McClain, Emma Grace Hurley and Ednah Kurgat were ruled out. By the time they got back on track, McClain’s lead was gone.
He finished in ninth place, while Hurley and Kurgat finished in 12th and 13th respectively.
Related article
