CHINA has indefinitely suspended all ultramarathons and trail-running events in the wake of a mountain race that saw 21 runners die in extreme weather last month.

On Wednesday, the General Administration of Sport of China said it is halting all high-risk sports events that lack a clear oversight body, established rules and safety standards, according to a statement on its website.

The sports suspended include mountain and desert trail running, wingsuit flying and ultra-long distance races, the statement said. The administration did not specify how long the suspension would last, but said it is taking a detailed look into the country’s sports events to improve regulatory systems, strengthen standards and rules, and enhance safety.

Authorities didn’t say how many races will be affected by the suspension. According to the Chinese Athletic Association, 481 trail races and 25 ultramarathons were held in 2019 — more than a quarter of all long-distance running events in the country.

Marathons and trail races have exploded in popularity as China’s rising middle class picked up the running bug in recent years. But industry insiders say the races are often poorly organized, lacking safety measures and contingency planning — and sometimes plagued by injuries and deaths.

Trail races are often held in far-flung parts of the country that lag behind in development and resources. The deadly mountain race May 22 took place in the remote countryside of Gansu, one of the poorest regions in the country.

Most of the victims were poorly equipped for cold weather and died of hypothermia — a dangerous drop in body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to bitter cold.

(SD-Agencies)