Why it matters
For dozens of runners chasing Boston Marathon qualifying times, the 2025 Publix Atlanta Marathon was supposed to be their big moment. But due to a course measurement error, their times are now invalid—and the frustration is spreading.
What’s happening
- Nearly 2,000 runners competed in the 2025 Publix Atlanta Marathon on March 2, unaware the course was 554 feet (168 meters) short of the standard 26.2 miles (42.2K).
- The issue stemmed from last-minute course adjustments near Grant Park due to road construction, along with misplaced cones around mile 20.
- The Atlanta Track Club (ATC) confirmed the error in late April—six weeks after the race—following a post-race review triggered by a pacer’s GPS watch data.
By the numbers
- Distance shortfall: 554 feet
- Error percentage: 0.21%
- Boston-eligible runners affected: At least 20 without another qualifying time
- Lead men’s time: Joe Darda, 2:29:05
- Lead women’s time: Gracie Griffith, 2:57:07
What they’re saying
“It wasn’t a big deal for me. I already had a Boston time. But I feel bad for people who were banking on this one.”
— Joe Darda, Michigan-based professor and marathoner
“If this had been someone’s goal race… only to find out weeks later that the course was short? That’s brutal.”
— Gracie Griffith, Atlanta runner and 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier
“I was dumbfounded… it just soured the whole thing.”
— Cory Golden, who thought he had a BQ with a 2:46:38 finish
Between the lines
While Darda and Griffith had previous qualifying times or weren’t aiming for Boston, others like Golden saw strong efforts erased. Golden eventually ran Boston in 2:50:09, salvaging his season—but not all runners had that opportunity.
What went wrong
- The ATC had certified the course before race day, but the adjustments made after certification weren’t re-measured by a USATF official.
- The course changes went uncorrected until a pacer’s GPS watch flagged inconsistencies past mile 20.
- According to World Athletics and USATF rules, any discrepancy disqualifies the race as a Boston qualifier.
The response
- ATC apologized publicly and offered free entry to any of its 35 events over the next year.
- Executive director Rich Kenah accepted responsibility: “We failed to deliver on the trust the running community places in us… It’s embarrassing, and we’re taking steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
- Future races will include a USATF-certified measurer onsite to oversee any late changes.
Zoom out
Course errors are rare but not unheard of. Similar mishaps have invalidated top performances, including:
- Bernard Lagat’s 5K American record in 2014
- Camille Herron’s 100-mile world best in 2022
- Agnes Ngetich’s world records in 2023
Course certification involves more than mapping software—it requires calibrated bicycles, elevation tracking, and precise cone placement. One misstep can undo everything.
What’s next
Most runners will chalk it up as a story for their next group run. But for those chasing Boston, it’s a tough loss. The ATC is trying to connect affected runners with other qualifying races, but available marathon spots are limited.
As Darda put it:
“Big city marathons are so complex now… Honestly, I’m surprised this doesn’t happen more often.”
