Asia

21 Runners Dead After China Ultramarathon, Extreme Weather

Search teams confirmed the safety of 151 out of 172 participants, with eight reportedly hospitalized.

21 Runners Dead After China Ultramarathon, Extreme Weather
Fan Peishen / Xinhua / AP

State media in China reports 21 people running a mountain ultramarathon have died after hail, freezing rain and gale-force winds hit the race. 

Search teams confirmed the safety of 151 out of 172 participants, with eight reportedly hospitalized. 

The 21 runners who died suffered from a sudden drop in temperature. 

According to one participant, the forecast did not predict the extreme winter-like conditions. Some runners were dressed only in short-sleeved tops and shorts.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.