Canadian marathon route was 674m too long

Canadian marathon route was 674m too long The Edmonton Marathon organizers acknowledged on Wednesday that the course for the 2026 race was longer than intended by 674.7 metres, equivalent to 0.41 miles. Runners had complained after the event that their GPS watches recorded a distance of 26.22 miles, exceeding the standard marathon length. Initially dismissing the concerns, the organizing committee later confirmed the discrepancy. Race manager Tom Keogh stated, "We bash not instrumentality this lightly. We hosted the nation's champion athletes and their finishing times did not genuinely bespeak their astonishing performances." He added that organizers "did not present the modular participants deserved." Officials traced the error to construction work near the Wellington Bridge, which necessitated a temporary detour from the usual route. As a result, some athletes may have missed the opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon, since qualifying times are based on official clockings at sanctioned events rather than personal watch readings. The Edmonton Marathon said it is collaborating with Athletics Canada and other partners to determine how this year’s results will be recognized. BBC Sport has sought comment from the marathon organizers.