Story perspectives

Edmonton Marathon Course Too Long by 674.7 Metres

8/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Organizers admitted the Edmonton Marathon and half-marathon courses were about 674.7 metres too long.
Race director Tom Keogh said a detour near the Wellington Bridge caused the miscalculation.
The error added roughly 0.41 miles (674.7 metres) to the official 42.195 km distance.
Elite half-marathon champion Rory Linkletter said the extra distance threatened Boston Marathon qualifying times.
Organizers are working with Athletics Canada to decide how this year’s results will be recognized.

History

Historical Context

After the 1908 London Olympics lengthened the marathon to 26 mi 385 yd so the royal family could watch the start at Windsor Castle, British officials measured the extra stretch. Over a century later, Edmonton Marathon director Tom Keogh discovered a 0.41-mile detour near Wellington Bridge, prompting Athletics Canada and the IAAF to tighten course-certification rules to protect record legitimacy.

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Story summary

Organizers admitted the Edmonton Marathon and half-marathon courses were about 674.7 metres too long.
Race director Tom Keogh said a detour near the Wellington Bridge caused the miscalculation.
The error added roughly 0.41 miles (674.7 metres) to the official 42.195 km distance.
Elite half-marathon champion Rory Linkletter said the extra distance threatened Boston Marathon qualifying times.
Organizers are working with Athletics Canada to decide how this year’s results will be recognized.

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