THE organisers of Port Glasgow’s 10k race have issued an apology for ‘mistakes’ which led some participants to run off the mapped route yesterday.

Around 250 runners took part in Sunday's event, setting off from Coronation Park, where the race also finished.

But some participants encountered difficulty just over 7km into the race due to confusion with signage in Kelburn Park.

In a statement shared on social media, the organisers said: “As you know a very small team work exceptionally hard behind the scenes to bring you a community 10k race, taking in the sights of Port Glasgow old and new.

“We rely on an army of volunteers to help on the day. These volunteers are out from early in the morning until well after the last person is safely across the line.

“Unfortunately, some times we don't get it right on the day and mistakes are made.

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“We should have had an additional volunteer within Kelburn Park to keep runners on the right track rather than rely on signage.

“For this, we are sorry for those whose times may have been affected.

“Our team will meet shortly to look at how we move forward to make the event as best of an experience as possible, without making it unaffordable for the local community.

“We will gather feedback from participants in the coming days to inform any future decisions.”

Social media users were quick to jump to the team’s defence and thanked the volunteers who helped run the event.

One commented: “These things happen. The Great Scottish Run under-measured the course twice in the last seven years or so and look at the resources they have.

“Your apology is very humble but unnecessary and please do not let this experience deter you from putting on events in future years.”

Another added: “I tried to thank every volunteer I passed as I know these events can’t happen without them.

“I really hope nobody has given you grief over this.”

The race was won by Max Meres of Edinburgh Athletics Club, who finsihed in a time of 34:14.

Andrew Osborne and Andrew McCall of Greenock Glenpark Harriers followed shortly after, with times of 34:50 and 34:55 respectively.

The first female finisher was Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club's Emma Creasey, who crossed the line in 37:23.

The full results can be found at protay.co.uk/port-glasgow-10k.