China Takes Action For Deaths Of 21 Runners At "Unprofessional" 100-Km Marathon

China Marathon Deaths: A 100-kilometre cross-country mountain race in China turned deadly on May 22 as freezing rains, high winds and hail suddenly hit the competitors. 21 people, including China's well-known ultra-marathon runner Liang Jing, were killed in the tragedy.

Twenty-seven people, including several senior municipal government officials, faced disciplinary punishment or criminal charges after being held responsible for hosting an "unprofessional" ultra-marathon race in Gansu province last month in which 21 runners died, local authorities said. A 100-kilometre cross-country mountain race in the China's north-western province of Gansu turned deadly on May 22 as freezing rains, high winds and hail suddenly hit the competitors. Twenty-one people, including China's well-known ultra-marathon runner Liang Jing, were killed in the tragedy. "Non-standard and unprofessional event operations led to the accident," read the investigation report announced at a press conference held in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu province. A total of 172 people participated in the mountain marathon. While eight sustained minor injuries, 151 were confirmed safe. Most competitors were wearing thin shorts and T-shirts, according to media reports.