US wins exemption — 7 sent
The U.S. was granted an exemption to send seven women to the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen after a qualifying course error led multiple runners off‑course. (bozemandailychronicle.com) The ruling ensures top American distance athletes can compete in the half‑marathon despite the selection mishap. (bozemandailychronicle.com)
The breakaway lead pack that was misdirected at the USATF Half Marathon included Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley and Ednah Kurgat, World Athletics said. (worldathletics.org) (worldathletics.org) The national championship was held in Atlanta on March 1, 2026, and official results show McClain placed 9th, Hurley 12th and Kurgat 13th after the wrong turn while Molly Born won the women’s race in 1:09:43. (watchathletics.com) (watchathletics.com) World Athletics approved a strictly one‑off entry adjustment that permits USATF to select seven athletes for the women’s half‑marathon at the 2026 World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, rather than the usual four. (worldathletics.org) (worldathletics.org) Under the ruling USATF must name four “scoring” athletes and the other three will compete as non‑scoring entrants who cannot win medals, receive prize money, or count toward the team result but will receive world ranking points and wear a different USA kit. (worldathletics.org) (worldathletics.org) USATF posted on X that it is “grateful for their collaboration in helping us honor all the athletes involved,” and the federation now must determine which four athletes will be entered as scoring entrants ahead of the Copenhagen WRRC in September 2026. (espn.com) (espn.com)
