A Familiar Pattern Returns
Jo Bartlett—formerly Jo Benson and Emily Clark—was recently disqualified after placing second overall female at a marathon. Her final time was approximately 3:20:00, but it was her 1:24:00 half marathon split that immediately raised red flags.
For reference, that split is faster than most top female runners. The U.S. women’s half marathon record is 1:07:11 (Emily Sisson, 2022). Des Linden ran a 1:19:41 for the first half of her 2:39:54 Boston victory.
Upon seeing her splits, I guessed that she likely repeated her method from 2019 by riding a bike. Sure enough, multiple race volunteers confirmed Jo rode a bicycle during the first half—a tactic she has used before.
It was this confirmation that led to her disqualification.
I’ve spoken with the race director throughout the process. They asked that I not name the race in this article, and I am honoring that request. They’ve been very proactive and helpful and acted decisively.
Timeline of Race Cheating and Fundraising Campaigns
Below is a chronological list of documented and reported cheating incidents, alongside the launch of fundraising campaigns under various identities.
2013–2019
Multiple Race Cheating Admissions
Jo, then competing as Emily Clark, later admitted to cheating in six races between 2013 and 2018. These included:
- 2013 Chicago Marathon – She admitted to making two course cuts during the race, citing a panic attack triggered by crowd noise and overstimulation.
- Eugene Marathon – She confessed to running part of the race, returning to her hotel due to shin splints, and later rejoining the course near the finish line.
She did not name the other four races, but in a 2019 statement, she acknowledged repeated dishonesty stemming from anxiety and fear of failure.
September 15, 2019
PeaceHealth AppleTree Half Marathon (Vancouver, WA)
Competing as Emily Clark, Jo placed 2nd with a time of 1:26:00, but was disqualified after admitting she used a bicycle for part of the course.
Read more
October 13, 2019
Chicago Marathon
Just one month after AppleTree, she appeared again and posted an unlikely result. She was flagged and disqualified.
Read more
October 2019
Portland Marathon
Reports suggest she ran under the same identity (Emily Clark) weeks after Chicago. Though not formally disqualified, it aligns with the pattern of repeated deception.
Willamette Week
2021
GoFundMe: “Help My Name Change Become Legal”
Raised: $1,000
Launched to fund legal fees for a name change, citing safety and emotional trauma—likely the transition from Jo Benson to Jo Bartlett.
February 2022
Stone Steps 27K Trail Race
Now racing as Jo Bartlett, she claimed 3rd place. An investigation revealed her new identity and past history.
New Identity, Same Results
July 2023
GoFundMe: “Help Jo Keep Fighting and Get Her Car Back”
Raised: $6,811
In this detailed fundraiser, Jo claimed to have been diagnosed with stage 4 primary cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive heart cancer. She described:
- A major open-heart autotransplant surgery (October 2022)
- Two failed rounds of chemotherapy
- Chronic pain, severe fatigue, mobility issues, and chest pain
- Ongoing residential mental health treatment in California
This campaign described extreme medical hardship.
September 2023
GoFundMe: “Service Dog (and Dog Mom) in Serious Need”
Raised: $112
Fundraiser to cover emergency vet care for her dog, citing emotional dependence on the animal during her cancer battle.
GoFundMe: “Help JJ Stay Alive”
Raised: $170
Another medical-themed campaign referencing hospitalization and insurance costs.
December 2023
GoFundMe: “Medical and Living Expenses for Jo”
Raised: $1,405
Jo cited ongoing physical and mental health issues that made her unable to work.
August 2024
GoFundMe: “Support Jo (1991)”
Raised: $150
A vague health campaign with minimal detail. Possibly an attempt to restart fundraising after earlier campaigns slowed.
April 2025
Unnamed Marathon Event – Most Recent Disqualification
Jo Bartlett places second female overall, again posting a 1:23:00 half marathon split.
She is disqualified after race volunteers confirm she used a bicycle for the first half.
Putting the Pieces Together
- Multiple public claims of terminal illness, accompanied by medical fundraising. In total she has raised nearly $10,000 through multiple campaigns.
- Descriptions of debilitating conditions, surgeries, and psychiatric care
- Less than a year later, she is competing in marathons and posting elite-level split times
- Race volunteers confirm cheating by bicycle use
Past Fraud
Jo Bartlett (Benson) formerly known as Emily Clark, falsely claimed to hold a degree from Harvard University while practicing as a therapist. This misrepresentation was part of a broader pattern of ethical concerns, including a surrendered license in Oregon, client complaints, and marathon cheating allegations, raising serious questions about her professional integrity.
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