Killer ultramarathon organisers jailed after 21 runners die
The organisers of an ultramarathon held in an extreme storm that resulted in the deaths of 21 runners have been jailed for their roles.
Five suspects were said to have been involved in planning the event - and have each been jailed for terms between three to five-and-a-half years. The case was held in the Gansu city of Baiyin, where the deaths occurred, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. The 62-mile mountain race took place the same day that the province was plagued with gale force winds, freezing rain and pounding hale in May 2021.
They were imprisoned for their roles in "organising a large-scale event that led to a significant safety incident", Xinhua reported, adding that one official received a four year and 10 month sentence for "derelicition of duty and bribery". Another was hit with a three-and-a-half year sentenced for just "dereliction of duty".
The area was hit by extreme weather the same day (AFP via Getty Images)Extreme sports, including long-distance running, have become popular in China over recent years as the government has been promoting the necessity for exercise no matter the age.
After the deaths, questions rose over why the extreme weather forecast was ignored. The public and politicans have issued a renewed call for tighter legislation around sports events. Beijing's sports ministry since announced that any events that don't follow state safety standards will be pulled. This includes mountain trail running, wingsuit flying and ultra-long distance running.
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China has banned any sports that don't follow state safety standards (Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)Earlier this year, a runner at the London Marathon, Steve Shanks, 45, died while travelling home after completing the race. Shanks was a keen runner who had completed the race in 2 hours, 53 minutes and 26 seconds before being taken ill and passing away as he travelled home. Event organisers issued a statement sending condolences to his family and friends.
A statement from organisers read: "Everyone at London Marathon Events was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden death of Steve Shanks as he travelled home on Sunday 23 April after taking part in the London Marathon. Steve, who was 45 and lived in Bingham, Nottingham, was a very experienced runner who had completed many marathons and finished on Sunday in 2:53:26. All involved in the organisation of the London Marathon would like to express sincere condolences to Steve's wife Jess, his family and friends. A fundraising page for the Multiple Sclerosis Society has been set up in Steve's memory. The cause of death will be established later through medical examination. The family has asked for privacy and no further details will be released in accordance with their wishes."
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