China Shelves Dozens Of Races After Deadly Ultramarathon
Faizan Hashmi Published May 27, 2021 | 03:00 PM
At least 60 marathons and cross-country races have been cancelled or postponed in China after 21 runners died when extreme weather hit an ultramarathon last weekend, state media said Thursday
Shanghai, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th May, 2021 ) :At least 60 marathons and cross-country races have been cancelled or postponed in China after 21 runners died when extreme weather hit an ultramarathon last weekend, state media said Thursday.
Long-distance running in booming in China but concern is rising over poorly regulated races that have sprung up across the country.
A 100-kilometre (60-mile) cross-country mountain race in the northwestern province of Gansu turned deadly on Saturday as freezing rain, high winds and hail raked the competitors, raising questions over why organisers apparently ignored the incoming extreme weather.
China's top sports body has responded by calling for organisers to improve safety.
The Lanzhou International Marathon, which was scheduled to take place in Gansu on June 13 and is endorsed by the governing body World Athletics, is among the more than 60 races to be shelved, Xinhua news agency said.
China has been in the grip of what state media calls "marathon fever" and the government is heavily pushing exercise for all age groups.
Media reports last year, citing Chinese Athletic Association (CAA) figures, said the country hosted 40 times more marathons in 2018 than in 2014.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
Pakistan, Japan agrees to convene 'Economic Policy Dialogue'
FM Dar conveys deepest sympathy on torrential rains devastation in UAE
Spain PM Sanchez says weighing resignation after wife's graft probe
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
Long-lost Klimt portrait auctioned off for 30 mn euros
Osaka seals first win on clay since 2022 in Madrid
Earthquake jolts Karachi
Sindh minister orders operation after attack on police in Ghotki
TikTok to fight US ban law in courts
More Stories From World
-
Football: English Championship table
4 hours ago -
Time for 'democratic transition' in Venezuela: opposition candidate to AFP
4 hours ago -
Spain's Pedro Sanchez : a risk-taker with a flair for survival
4 hours ago -
Football: French Ligue 1 table
4 hours ago -
Nadal will only play French Open if he can 'compete well'
5 hours ago -
Ukraine, Israel, TikTok: the massive aid package before US Congress
5 hours ago
-
TikTok to fight US ban law in courts
5 hours ago -
Football: French Ligue 1 results
5 hours ago -
Spain PM Sanchez says weighing resignation after wife's graft probe
6 hours ago -
Long-lost Klimt portrait auctioned off for 30 mn euros
6 hours ago -
TikTok to fight US ban law in courts
6 hours ago -
Anger among Ukrainians in Poland as Kyiv halts passport renewals
6 hours ago