Cold weather in China kills 21 in ultramarathon, sparks outrage

21 out of the 172 participants in the 100km race died from the cold weather. [Courtesy]

21 people were killed when extremely cold weather struck during an ultramarathon in rugged Gansu province in northwestern China, sparking public outrage on Sunday (May 23) over the lack of contingency planning.

The 100km race began on Saturday from a scenic area at a bend in the Yellow River known for its sheer cliffs and rock columns. The route would take runners through canyons and hills on an arid plateau at an elevation of over 1,000 metres.