American long-distance runner Jess McClain has finally received financial compensation after a chaotic officiating error cost her a national title at the 2026 US Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta.
The 34-year-old athlete was leading the women’s race on Sunday (March 1) and was widely expected to win when a lead vehicle mistakenly guided her and two other runners off the official course.
The error allowed competitors behind them to surge ahead and claim the podium places instead.