Edmonton Marathon course was 675 metres too long, organizers admit
Race director Tom Keogh apologized after reversing an earlier claim that the course was correctly measured, saying a detour offset was miscalculated.
Why it matters
The measurement error could affect whether runners' times count toward qualifying for other major marathons, including Boston.
The Edmonton Marathon has admitted its course was measured incorrectly, adding an extra 675 metres to the standard 42.2-kilometre distance. Race director Tom Keogh said the error came from an incorrectly calculated offset made for a detour along the route.
The admission reverses an earlier statement from organizers that had expressed confidence the course was the correct length. More than 10,000 people registered for this year's race, and despite the added distance, both the men's and women's fastest-time records were broken.
Keogh apologized for the mistake and said the Edmonton Marathon is now working with Athletics Canada to determine how to assess this year's results. The issue carries added weight because marathon times from the race can be used to qualify for other events, including the Boston Marathon.
In a statement, Keogh acknowledged the months of training and effort runners put into the race, saying their finishing times did not truly reflect their performances.
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