Competitors still unaccounted for in abandoned mountain marathon

Oct 26, 2008, 11:03 GMT

London - Some 1,700 competitors remained unaccounted for, but no one was reported missing, police said Sunday after torrential rain and floods caused the Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) in Britain's Lake District to be abandoned the previous day.

Cumbria police said that conditions remained dangerous but that the number of flood warnings was halved from eight to four. The authorities said that competitors returning to their cars should remain careful.

The 41st edition of the event was stopped at noon on Saturday as conditions worsened. Almost the entire average monthly rain fell on Saturday in the region.

Organizers expressed their belief that not all of the listed 3,050 competitors started the race owing to the adverse weather.

Around 750 found shelter in various locations, and others were expected to be in no serious danger because suitable equipment was mandatory. Thirteen starters were treated for minor injuries in local hospitals.

The OMM is is a two-day event which attracts mountain runners, orienteers, fell walkers and mountaineers, who compete in pairs. Race distances are up to 80km, with an experienced organizer staff of around 100 on hand to assist competitors.