Edmonton Marathon admits 674.4m error in 2026 course after runner complaints

Organisers of the Edmonton Marathon admitted on Tuesday that the course used in the race on Sunday was 674.4 metres longer than the standard marathon distance. The disclosure followed a cascade of complaints from runners online and in Canadian media.

Scores of runners voiced outrage after finishing times were affected, and organisers had initially insisted the course was officially certified and undoubtedly the correct distance. The error, organisers said, upended runners’ personal bests and potentially prevented some from breaking records.

In a statement on Tuesday, race director Tom Keogh said: "We do not take this lightly." He added, "We hosted the nation’s best athletes and their finishing times did not truly reflect their amazing performances." Keogh said a thorough examination by the event team concluded the course was an additional 674.4 metres (0.41 miles) longer than the standard of 42.195 kilometres (26.22 miles).

The review found the added length resulted from a detour implemented to avoid construction around the Wellington Bridge. Keogh said the race will undergo a review of its certification process to ensure the error never occurs again.

Runners reported their energy waning unexpectedly in the last kilometre of the race. On Monday, Olympian Natasha Wodak told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation she noticed her pace was slower than usual as she ran the final few hundred metres and, when she saw her final time, she said: "What in the world?" She added that an accurate course length is crucial, saying: "It really is the most important thing of a race, besides safety."

Participants hoping to use Edmonton as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon may have faced disappointment, as mere seconds can make the difference between being accepted or denied a spot in the prestigious race. Many runners are drawn to the Edmonton race for a chance to gain entry to Boston.