This is the moment a FAKE marathon runner tries 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 toward the tape while dressed in athletics gear.

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

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

It was later established that they had taken part in a five-kilometer 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.

The intruder also issued an apology for gatecrashing the race.

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