20 dead in extreme weather in China cross-country race

Rescuers in China said at least 20 people have died and one is missing in extreme weather during a mountain marathon cross-country race in the country's northwest. The rescue headquarters quoted by the official Xinhua News Agency said hail, freezing rain and gale winds hit the 60-mile race in the Yellow River Stone Forest tourist site in Baiyin city in Gansu province around 1 p.m. Saturday. It said participants suffered from physical discomfort and the sudden drop in temperature. Some went missing and the race was halted. Early Sunday, 20 people were found dead and the search for one more is underway. More than 700 rescuers are taking part. Xinhua said a total of 172 people joined the race and 151 are confirmed to be safe.