In a somber conclusion to the investigation into the deadly 2021 ultra marathon in northwest China, the race organizers have been handed prison sentences for their roles in an event that claimed the lives of 21 runners.
The court in Baiyin, Gansu province, where the tragic deaths occurred, sentenced five organizers to prison terms ranging from three to five and a half years.
The ill-fated 100-kilometer ultra, held in May 2021 at China’s Huanghe Shilin Mountain, began with ideal conditions but quickly turned treacherous as extreme weather conditions struck.
Freezing rain, hail, and heavy winds battered the runners, prompting the organizers to call off the race. A rescue team of 700 was dispatched onto the course to save the participants.
The temperature in the mountains came near freezing as a result of the trecherous conditions, and many runners developed hypothermia while awaiting the search-and-rescue team.
A total of 172 runners were at the start of the race, with 151 being rescued, eight of which were taken to hospital. However, 21 runners tragically lost their lives.
Among the victims was Liang Jing, a well-known Chinese ultrarunner who had previously competed in prestigious events such as UTMB and the Ultra-Trail Mount Fuji.
The court found one organizer guilty of “dereliction of duty and bribery” and sentenced them to four years and 10 months. One of the other race officials was served a three-and-a-half-year sentence for being guilty of “dereliction of duty.”
These sentences highlight the serious consequences of organizing events without adequate safety measures, particularly when dealing with extreme weather conditions. The tragedy, devastated the running community, and prompted a review of comprehensive safety protocols in extreme sports events.
The incident has also raised concerns about the rapid rise in popularity of long-distance running and extreme sports in China. While the government has been supportive of these activities, incidents like the 2021 ultramarathon deaths has highlighted the need for more stringent regulations.
In response to the tragedy, Beijing’s sports ministry announced the suspension of events lacking national safety standards, covering activities such as mountain trail running and ultra running.
The suspension of events without national safety standards is a step towards addressing the gaps in regulation and ensuring the safety of participants in future competitions.
However, the failure of the organizers to anticipate and respond to the incoming extreme weather conditions during the ultra and tragic loss of lives prompted an ongoing evaluation of safety regulations, aiming to prevent future tragedies in extreme sports events.
As China still grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident, the global running community continues to mourn the loss of talented athletes and calls for a renewed commitment to safety in extreme sports events worldwide.
