A runner died during the Ultra Trail of Haut-Giffre (UTHG) event on Saturday amid severe weather conditions, organizers announced.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that UTHG has just learned of a tragic event with the accidental death of a racer,” the race organizers said. “All our thoughts are with the victim’s family and relatives.”
The runner was not identified by the organizers and the race was canceled following the incident, “In such circumstances, we have decided to cancel the rest of the event.”
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.
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. Météo 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.
