All is now clear.
I heard back for the measurer and he explained what happened. Yes, the course was long by an unspecified distance(not necessarily .4 of a mile as the GPS readings indicated). He found he marked the turn in the wrong spot causing this problem as his numbers were added incorrectly. Some would not admit to their errors and I appreciate his honesty here.
He explained this would be adjusted for next years race. I suggest we leave the Certificate in place and make sure the race is remeasured.