During the event 21 ultramarathon athletes died after brutal weather slipped all over the mountainous area of northwest China the Huanghe Shilin Mountain Marathon, China media reported Sunday. On the other hand, 151 individuals in the 100-kilometre race – 62 miles – in Baiyin City in Gansu Province have been accounted for, and eight people are admitted to hospital in stable condition, neighbourhood rescue headquarters reported. The officials mentioned an unexpected, dramatic change in the climate during Saturday’s race withinside the Yellow River Stone Forest.
At about 1 p.m., hail, freezing rain and gales hit the region of the race’s high-altitude level as runners were climbing 6,500 feet above sea level in shorts and T-shirts. Some individuals published videos inquiring for help in a WeChat group chat. Some of the athletes went missing, and the race was halted. Local governments initiated an emergency protocol and prepared over 1,200 rescuers to look for the missing athletes amid mudslides and localized flooding.
“Participants suffered from physical pain because of the surprising drop in air temperature,” country media reported. The temperature dropped again all night due to the condition of the area’s complicated terrain and topography, making the quest and rescue effort more complicated, the government said.
Among the lifeless was Liang Jing, 31, an ultramarathon champion and three-time winner of the race. The province has set up a research group to look further into the motive of the incident, Baiyin City Mayor Zhang Suchen said. “As the head manager of the race said, we feel sorry for the families and remorse,” he said in his statement. “We will show our deep condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families and the victims.
“Many WeChat institution chats regarding the event’s organizer and contributors had launched climate warnings for Saturday on Friday night, officials said. The terrain alongside the running path is complicated, and there has been an opportunity for short-term intense weather withinside the area, in keeping with neighbourhood weather authorities.
