Jessica McClain Reflects on U.S. Half Marathon Championships Controversy

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American distance runner Jessica McClain has explained some of the details of how she and two others got lost during the U.S. Half Marathon Championships, ultimately costing her first place in the event.

McClain posted photos from his event on Instagram, exposing his 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 during day nine of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Track and Field Trials on June 29, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

But her run was diverted because she was driven out of the way by a media vehicle, according to Athletics Illustrated. She followed the media vehicle, a police motorcycle and a motorcycle equipped with a camera.

“I’m going to do my best to leave this weekend remembering the joy I felt in those moments when I thought I was about to become a national champion and finally make Team USA,” she wrote in the caption.

“This really sucks for everyone involved. No one ever wants this outcome. Mistakes happen and I’m sure those who ran us feel 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 have deviated from their course.

McClain wrote that “something needs to change and safeguards need to be in place for athletes who do their best on race day.”

“Someone has to care enough to do something. Anything. I love this sport so much and I just want to help make it better for our young professionals and all the incredible athletes to come,” she added.

Jessica McClain (USA) placed 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 posted several posts on his Instagram Stories, showcasing the course map. She wrote that “only some, but not all, major roads are marked,” and added that they had a “detailed breakdown” of route updates and construction crossings “but not detailed street-by-street navigation,” which made her “even more eager to follow the procession.”

She said getting off the course was a “recurring nightmare” for her and that she understood that a broader overview of the course, in a bus or van, couldn’t exactly be done due to Atlanta’s heavy traffic.

She speculated that USA Athletics might offer different ways to preview the course with videos or take a guided tour in the future.

US Track and Field released a statement later Monday.

“USA Track & Field continues to carefully review the incident at the USATF Half Marathon Championships that resulted in three athletes being misdirected,” the organization said. “We understand that this is a difficult and frustrating time for athletes. This issue is a top priority for our staff and volunteer communities. We are working to provide updates as quickly as possible as we explore options that not only align with USATF rules and policies, but also provide equitable outcomes for all athletes involved. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”