China calls off over 60 marathons, cross country races after extreme weather causes deaths of 21 runners

Shanghai: At least 60 marathons and cross-country races have been cancelled or postponed in China after 21 runners died when extreme weather hit an ultramarathon last weekend, state media said Thursday. Long-distance running in booming in China but concern is rising over poorly regulated races that have sprung up across the country. A 100-kilometre (60-mile) cross-country mountain race in the northwestern province of Gansu turned deadly on Saturday as freezing rain, high winds and hail raked the competitors, raising questions over why organisers apparently ignored the incoming extreme weather. China’s top sports body has responded by calling for organisers to improve safety. The Lanzhou International Marathon, which was scheduled to take place in Gansu on 13 June and is endorsed by the governing body World Athletics, is among the more than 60 races to be shelved, Xinhua news agency said. China has been in the grip of what state media calls “marathon fever” and the government is heavily pushing exercise for all age groups. Media reports last year, citing Chinese Athletic Association (CAA) figures, said the country hosted 40 times more marathons in 2018 than in 2014.