The organisers of the Great Ireland Run have apologised after Sunday's 10k race ended up being shorter than expected.
Many participants were left perplexed and disappointed after finishing the race around Phoenix Park much earlier than anticipated and when they checked the distance they actually ran, they discovered that the distance was actually around 8.5km.
The Irish Examiner reports that runners were misdirected by race officials on their way around the route, with the confusion stemming from a 1.5km stretch being omitted in the first half of the race.
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More than 2,000 participants had entered the race, which cost €30 to enter, and many flocked to social media to vent their frustration about the error.
Jake O'Regan of St John's AC (26:08) and Karen Blaney of Navan AC (29:12) finished first respectively in the men's and women's race but the results of the event have been declared null and void, with Athletics Ireland and the race organisers, Dublin City Harriers, issuing a full apology on Sunday afternoon.
A spokesperson said in a statement: "Athletics Ireland and the event organiser Dublin City Harriers wish to apologise to all participants for the unforeseen circumstances that led to today's Great Ireland Run (incorporating the national 10k championship) being less than the specified distance.
"Athletics Ireland will continue to engage with the race organisers on the matter and update national 10k championship participants when further information becomes available."
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