On a strictly one-time basis, World Athletics has approved an expanded seven-woman U.S. team for the women’s half marathon at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen (Sept. 19-20), up from the standard four.

This comes after three American women (Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley and Ednah Kurgat) were robbed of a likely podium finish at the USATF Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta after a police injury caused the lead vehicle to direct the front pack off course.

The seven spots team will be:

3 off-course athletes: Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley, Ednah Kurgat

3 official top finishers: Molly Born, Carrie Ellwood, Annie Rodenfels

1 world ranking selection (as of May 5)

What they have to say:

CEO Max Siegel: “From the moment this happened, our focus was on doing right by the athletes. Jessica, Emma Grace, and Ednah had clearly separated themselves in the race and we are sorry they did not get to celebrate their accomplishment by breaking the tape. On behalf of everyone at USA Track & Field, I want to thank World Athletics. Their council and leadership are committed to a fair and athlete-centered solution that preserves the integrity of competition while recognizing the reality of what occurred in Atlanta.”

How will it work in Copenhagen?

USATF will designate four scoring athletes and three non-scoring athletes. The non-scoring trio are full Team USATF members and will earn World Athletics ranking points, but cannot contribute to team scoring, win medals, or receive official prize money and will wear a distinct kit. USATF will cover all additional expenses and will pay out any prize money non-scoring athletes earn on their own.

The full U.S. team will be named following the USATF 1 Mile Championships (April 22) and USATF 5K Championships (May 2).