China ultramarathon disaster: what happened during the storm that killed 21 runners?

How did the tragedy unfold when a storm claimed the lives of 21 runners stuck on the mountain?

The disaster mirrors a 2009 race in France, when trail running was growing in popularity and a race was not called off soon enough as the weather turned

6-MIN READ6-MIN

As many as 1,200 additional rescuers take to the mountains to assist as disaster unfolds during an ultramarathon in china. Photo: China OUT

Published: 6:00pm, 28 May 2021Updated: 6:19pm, 28 May 2021

The running community in China is in shock and mourning after twenty-one runners lost their lives in atrocious weather in a mountain ultramarathon held in Baiyin City, Gansu Province, in the North West of the country. The event, called Yellow River Stone Forest 100km Trail Race, was in its fourth edition with over 170 runners taking part. The incident took place on May 22. Officials in Baiyin city issued a public apology, pledged to investigate the tragedy and provided compensation to the families of the deceased.

The race was not a very high altitude one, compared to some races – there were no glaciers or high-altitude passes, the highest elevation at Yellow River Stone Forest 100km was 2,250 metres. The previous editions had gone off without problems and the race was gaining a reputation as a popular event.

But this year, nature had other ideas. There were weather warnings issued the day before the race but nobody expected the extreme conditions that followed.

Yet, runners commented on social media posts that even before the start of the race they had to take shelter from the wind that was gradually gaining strength. Others said they were relieved that it would not be too hot – temperatures in Gansu can be scorching.