Britain: Mountain runners stranded by flooding
source: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/10/26/britain.marathon.floods.ap/index.html?iref=24hours
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LONDON, England (AP) -- Hundreds of mountain runners spent the night in tents and hastily organized shelters after a long-distance race in England's Lake District was called off due to heavy rain and flooding, British authorities said Sunday.
Two competitors return from the mountains in Borowdale Valley, Cumbria.
By midafternoon Sunday, race organizers said all the participants had been accounted for.
About 2,500 athletes began the Original Mountain Marathon on Saturday before the race was called off, police said. Almost 800 people stayed overnight in shelters, while some 1,700 camped out in the hills.
Competitors were scattered across the 80 kilometer-long (50 miles) course when heavy rain and high winds rolled into much of the Lake District, about 300 miles north of London.
"Most of those unaccounted for will be camping out in their tents and I'm sure they will be fine," said Neil Talbott, who competed in the race. "It was compulsory to bring hypothermia 'space blankets' and camping equipment.
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"The event is billed as a tough event and competitors know what they are letting themselves in for. It's held at this time of year annually for a reason because the weather is part of the test," he said.
"There are various categories and you are not allowed to take part in the harder courses unless you have previously competed in the marathon."
The area near the race had about 65 millimeters (2.5 inches) of rain over the past 24 hours.
Two competitors return from the mountains in Borowdale Valley, Cumbria.
By midafternoon Sunday, race organizers said all the participants had been accounted for.
About 2,500 athletes began the Original Mountain Marathon on Saturday before the race was called off, police said. Almost 800 people stayed overnight in shelters, while some 1,700 camped out in the hills.
Competitors were scattered across the 80 kilometer-long (50 miles) course when heavy rain and high winds rolled into much of the Lake District, about 300 miles north of London.
"Most of those unaccounted for will be camping out in their tents and I'm sure they will be fine," said Neil Talbott, who competed in the race. "It was compulsory to bring hypothermia 'space blankets' and camping equipment.
Don't Miss
iReport.com: Were you there? Send your video, pictures
"The event is billed as a tough event and competitors know what they are letting themselves in for. It's held at this time of year annually for a reason because the weather is part of the test," he said.
"There are various categories and you are not allowed to take part in the harder courses unless you have previously competed in the marathon."
The area near the race had about 65 millimeters (2.5 inches) of rain over the past 24 hours.
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