Twenty-one people were confirmed dead during a mountain marathon 100 km cross-country race due to extreme weather in northwest China’s Gansu Province, rescuers said on Sunday. Hails, freezing rain and high winds hit the area during the race which was held on Saturday morning in the Yellow River Stone Forest tourist site in Jingtai County, Baiyin City.

Participants suffered from physical discomfort and loss of temperature due to the sudden drop in air temperature. Another 151 participants were confirmed safe, of whom eight with minor injuries were treated in hospital
A total of 172 people took part in the race.