Error at The Woodlands Marathon could cost runners

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Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Marathon mistake
Mistake alters course length of The Woodlands Marathon

THE WOODLANDS (KTRK) -- Runners at The Woodlands Marathon ran a little bit less than 26.2 miles and it could cause some serious problems.

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In a statement, The Woodlands Marathon management says that the lead motorcycle inadvertently directed the lead cyclist to skip the second turn on the full marathon course.

This mistake cut .8 miles off of the official certified USA Track and Field course.

The detour means that runners looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon may have their times thrown out.

The Woodlands Marathon is reaching out to the Boston Athletic Association to see if times can be adjusted and submitted for qualifications.

"We are extremely disappointed in this outcome," said Willie Fowlkes, Race Director of The Woodlands Marathon. "We will do everything in our power to assist those trying to submit qualifying times to the Boston Athletic Association for the 2018 event."