Watch hilarious moment fake marathon runner tries to cheat victory before being tackled by quick-thinking race official

THIS is the moment a FAKE marathon runner tried to cheat their way to a moment of victory.

During a half marathon event in Xunyi, China, a Kenyan runner was moments away from crossing the finish line.

However, the run last Sunday was interrupted when a man dressed in red suddenly burst from the crowd near the finish line.

He then attempted to cross the line first.

Video footage from a camera placed at the finish line showed the person charging from the side of the track towards the tape while dressed in athletics gear.

But before they were able to chest the tape, a sharp-eyed official managed to intercept them.

The official run in front of the tape and hilariously tackled the intruder to the ground.

It was later established that they had actually taken part in a five-kilometre run earlier on.

Xunyi County Bureau of Culture and Tourism said the man was trying to grab attention and gain viewers online by appearing on camera.

Local media reports said the outcome of the half marathon was not affected.

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The intruder also issued an apology for gatecrashing the race.

But it is unclear whether they will face any criminal charges.