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.
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