Hundreds of runners accidentally ran an 8k instead of a 10k race after a marshal went missing from their post at a charity running event.

The Aviemore Half Marathon and 10k apologised to runners for the mistake, which was blamed on a marshal standing in the wrong place near the start of the route.

Participants passed a turn off which would have led them to the full 10k route, running almost 2km less than advertised.

Around 700 runners took part in the race on Sunday, with a further 1270 people taking part in the event's half marathon, which was unaffected by the blunder.

Race director Andrew MacKenzie says: "It was an unfortunate error on the day, [there is a] shortcut near the start and it turned the 10k into an 8k and that was due to the absence of a marshal.

"It meant runners used a slightly different route."

The mistake was spotted almost immediately after the race began, when a second marshal stationed at the correct route phoned organisers to ask where the runners had gone.

Participants have voiced their frustration on the race's Facebook page following the mistake, with some calling for a refund.

Mr MacKenzie said the majority of runners had been understanding about the slip up.

He said: "On the positive side, we very much appreciate the runners who have been in touch who have said these things do happen and that it didn't mar their enjoyment of the day.

"The messages that we have received, less than 5% have been from people who have been upset by this.

"But I think it's also very important that we realise it is a genuine complaint and especially club members who use the event for club ratings or or have a long way to attend so we will be contacting all the the 10k runners individually so we hope to make amends where we can."

The Aviemore Half Marathon and 10k is a charity race in aid of the Speyside Trust, which donates proceeds from the event to a scheme which enables children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy an activity holiday in the Highlands.