Uncertainty over 44 in abandoned British mountain race (1st Lead)

Oct 26, 2008, 11:29 GMT

London - Uncertainty remained over 44 competitors Sunday but the vast majority of those taking part in a British mountain run were accounted for after torrential rain and floods caused the event to be abandoned the previous day, officials said.

An air force helicopter had been deployed to search the north- western Lake District area where the Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) had been organised.

Most of some 1,700 competitors who earlier were still not accounted for had now reported in, organisers said. Local police said conditions remained dangerous but flood warnings were reduced.

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, owing to the adverse weather.

Around 750 found shelter, 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.