Dillas has been erased by race officials who, after reviewing TV footage, declared the youngster didn't run the full distance.

Dillas, of Prospect Primary, and second-placed Tiffany Eatherley of Francis Patton both shattered the old record time of five minutes, 58 seconds set by Velvet Smith in 1994. Dillas clocked 5:47.8 and Eatherley 5:48.7.

However, race marshalls at the the east end of the course failed to direct the two girls correctly around the turn. Instead of racing around cones placed on the course, the pair ran through them.

Race director Mike Charles admitted yesterday that little time was gained as a result of the error, but because the full distance wasn't completed the record couldn't stand. However, the finishing positions, he said, would remain unchanged.

"We won't change the positions because these two girls were so far ahead of the third place finisher (Sher-Dae Whitter, 6:10), but unfortunately because the correct course wasn't run, the record can't stand,'' said Charles.

"As race director it's a decision I have to make. However, if anyone feels aggrieved they can appeal the decision to the BTFA.''