One Runner Dead, Three Injured, Following Severe Weather Conditions At Ultra Trail Of Haut-Giffre

The three injured runners are all in stable condition.

A runner died during the Ultra Trail of Haut-Giffre (UTHG) event on Saturday amid severe weather conditions, organizers announced.

โ€œIt is with great sadness that we announce that UTHG has just learned of a tragic event with the accidental death of a racer,โ€ the race organizers said. โ€œAll our thoughts are with the victimโ€™s family and relatives.โ€

One Runner Dead, Three Injured, Following Severe Weather Conditions At Ultra Trail Of Haut-Giffre 1

The runner was not identified by the organizers and the race was canceled following the incident, โ€œIn such circumstances, we have decided to cancel the rest of the event.โ€

Local authorities reported that four runners fell from a slippery trail due to the harsh weather. Bonneville public prosecutor Karline Bouisset informed CNN affiliate BFMTV that the area had become dangerously slick. The runner, in his 50s, died at the scene, likely from cardiorespiratory arrest; however, an autopsy will confirm the cause of death.

Two other male runners sustained serious but stable injuries, while one woman suffered minor injuries. All three were hospitalized.

The prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into the accident.

One Runner Dead, Three Injured, Following Severe Weather Conditions At Ultra Trail Of Haut-Giffre 2

The three-day event, scheduled from June 14 to 16, takes place in the Haute Savoie region of the French Alps. The start was delayed on Saturday due to adverse weather conditions.

Weather forecasts had predicted severe conditions in the northern French Alps early Saturday. Mรฉtรฉo Alpes, an independent weather service, warned of an active disturbance with potential thunderstorms and snowfall at higher elevations.

Organizers stated that all participants would be evacuated by Saturday afternoon. It remains unclear how many runners were affected by the weather.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Avatar photo

Jessy Carveth

Senior News Editor

Jessy has been active her whole life, competing in cross-country, track running, and soccer throughout her undergrad. She pivoted to road cycling after completing her Bachelor of Kinesiology with Nutrition from Acadia University. Jessy is currently a professional road cyclist living and training in Spain.

Want To Save This Guide For Later?

Enter your email and we'll give it over to your inbox.