Tragedy at Race in Gansu Province in China

Everybody at the WMRA is incredibly saddened to hear of the tragedy which occurred at the 100k race in Yellow River stone forest near Baiyin, Gansu province, China. A reported 21 runners died when sudden, extreme weather occurred, which was not forecast, in a high altitude section of this mountain race. It is understood that hail, freezing temperatures and high winds came in suddenly and dramatically, and a complicated rescue mission for runners ensued. 

We would like to extend our sincere condolences to those families and friends affected by this terrible tragedy, as well as the Chinese trail and mountain running community who must be shocked and deeply affected. There are news reports in the international running media (see here) and we await to hear further details of the findings of investigations. Our thoughts are with our friends in the sport in China.