2,500 Marathon Runners Lost, Found, and Finally Rescued During UK’s ‘Original Mountain Marathon’
October 27, 2008
More than 2,500 people had to be rescued over the weekend during one of the U.K.’s annual adventure marathons. The annual “Original Mountain Marathon’ began even after stern warnings had been sent out in regards to bad weather in the area. Authorities are confident that this event should have been cancelled prior to the start, but event organizers tried to keep everything on pace and put on a good event.
After the start of the marathon, the weather took a turn for the worst. Huge sheets of rain flooded down on participants resulting in hypothermic competitors and flash flooding through the U.K.’s rugged Lake District. Roads were washing out and competitors had to worry about crossing areas in waist-deep water. Event organizers soon called the race off due to weather and flood dangers and sent in the search and rescue after all 2,500 competitors.
By the end of the evening all runners had been accounted for and no major injuries were reported. This situation, while pretty dire looking (watch this video), at least had a better outcome than what could have taken place under such circumstances. Competitors and race organizers all suggested that they were warned before the start that things could get ugly. Perhaps they all seen this as a new challenge before the race, but now think of the situation quite differently. Let’s hope that the next time warnings are given, that participants will take notice…
It is not known whether race organizers or participants will be charged for this latest search and rescue, but we do know that it will definitely be debated with this many people involved. To join in the debate and discuss this latest issue on search and rescue, please follow this link.
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Written by Jason A. Hendricks · Filed Under Search and Rescue, Uncategorized |
Your article on the Original Mountain Marathon is grossly misinformed and therefore misleading. 2500 people did not have to be rescued only 1 did (which is about par for such an event). The national british media (in this case the BBC) exaggerated the situation as their reporters had no understanding of the nature of the event. Interestingly, the local BBC reporters in the Lake District reported the event properly as they actually understood the nature of what was really going on. It was proper for the event to go ahead - flooding on the roads and car park might make for good TV but doesn’t mean people couldn’t compete. I have no connection to the organisers and did not compete but it saddens me to see outdoor enthusiasts websites pedling untruth without properly checking their facts. Some members of mountain rescue teams were even taking part!
Point me to some information that validates what you have said. I am not disputing that the information could not have been reported wrong by the original source (BBC), but I have yet to find anything disputing this information or an apology from the BBC. If these articles were in fact disputed, why has it taken so long for ANYONE to say anything. This event happened a few months back. I currently still stand behind this report until it is proven false or sources are stated for your information.