Organisers of the Great Ireland Run in Dublin have apologised after a mistake saw the 10-kilometre route cut short by 1.5 kilometres.

Many participants thought they had clocked a personal best time after taking part in the run on Sunday – with two thinking they had smashed a world record.

It emerged later that they had not run a full 10 kilometres due to a mistake during the run.

It is understood participants were misdirected by officials during the race.

Great Ireland Run course route. Image: Great Ireland Run

The error happened around 3km into the race and resulted in runners omitting a 1.5km lap.

In a statement, Athletics Ireland (AI) and event organiser Dublin City Harriers apologised to everyone who took part for the “unforeseen circumstances” that led to the run being “less than the specified distance”.

AI said it will continue to engage with the race organisers on the matter and will update participants when further information becomes available.

The results of the race have been declared null and void.