Watch the moment a fake runner tries to beat the winner to the finish line of a Chinese marathon

A Kenyan national runner was just yards from the winning tape when a man emerged out of the crowd in Xunyi, Shaanxi province, China, dressed in athletics gear.

Video footage of the bizarre photobombing on October 13 shows the intruder with an authentic-looking number on his chest racing the genuine athlete to the finishing line. But just moments before he can chest the tape, a sharp-eyed official darts forward and tackles him to the ground as the clip ends.

Officials later established that the intruder had taken part in an earlier five-kilometre fun run before he made his bid for glory.

Local media reports said he had not affected the outcome of the half marathon and apologised for gatecrashing the race.

It is unclear if he faces any criminal charges.

Story: NewsX