Edmonton Marathon Faces Course Measurement Dispute — image accompanying Canadian Running's report. Image accompanying Canadian Running’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Several runners, including elite athletes, claim the Edmonton Marathon course was longer than advertised. Calgary runner Polly Cunes alleged the course was 700 to 900 meters longer. Rory Linkletter, Canadian half-marathon record holder, supported the claim. The Edmonton Marathon insists the course was measured accurately.
Race director Tom Keogh stated they accounted for a detour, adding 712 meters. GPS technology can overestimate distances, especially in urban areas. The marathon maintains its course was professionally measured. Athletics Canada supports the marathon's stance. Read more culture coverage.
GPS inaccuracies can occur in challenging environments. Newer technology can reduce errors. Cunes acknowledged runners might add distance by weaving or rounding corners wide. Elite runners, however, generally take the shortest line and still reported extra distance. Related: Marathons and Half-Marathons Without Lotteries Still Available.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Canadian Running. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Edmonton Marathon Faces Course Measurement Dispute?
Runners claim course was 700-900 meters longer than advertised Several runners, including elite athletes, claim the Edmonton Marathon course was longer than advertised. Calgary runner Polly Cunes alleged the course was 700 to 900 meters longer. Rory Linkletter, Canadian half-marathon record holder, supported the claim. The Edmonton Marathon insists the course was measured accurately.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 18, 2026. The underlying Canadian Running report was dated August 18, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Canadian Running. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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