Edmonton Marathon runners may still qualify for Boston despite course error
Race officials confirmed the Sunday course was two-thirds of a kilometre too long, raising doubts for runners chasing qualifying times.
Why it matters
Thousands of runners who trained to hit qualifying benchmarks now face uncertainty over whether their results will count toward entry into major races like Boston.
The Edmonton Marathon, which drew more than 10,000 registered participants, has confirmed its course was two-thirds of a kilometre longer than it should have been. The error has created uncertainty for runners who were counting on their marathon or half-marathon times to qualify for other major races, including the Boston Marathon.
The Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the Boston Marathon, said it will not accept adjusted or corrected times from the Edmonton race. However, the association confirmed that any runner who still met the required qualifying time despite running the extra distance would still qualify.
Edmonton Marathon director Tom Keogh said the event is in touch with its partners, including the Boston Athletic Association, to determine how this year's results can be recognized. The Boston Marathon is scheduled for April 19 next year, with registration opening in September.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.