Dozens rescued from a Northern Utah mountain after extreme winter weather

Monday, October 11, 2021

A 50-mile race in the mountains of north of Salt Lake City, Utah, was cut short Saturday morning after more than 80 runners found themselves in dangerous winter conditions.

There were white-out conditions and 12 to 18 inches of snow.

The DC Peaks 50 ultra marathon began at a park in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains and organizers were unaware of the winter conditions quickly developing up higher.

According to the official website of the event, the start of the line has an elevation of 4,888 while the average elevation of the race if 6,604 feet.

Venturing onto the mountains, trails, and bodies of water at this time of year can be dangerous because the weather changes rapidly and conditions can quickly become life-threatening.

Even a mild rain in the valley can translate to blizzard conditions at higher elevations.

Race organizers suspended the race at the top of Farmington Canyon and authorities, aided by search and rescue teams worked for several hours to get the runners safely off the mountain the news release said.

A few runners were treated for hypothermia and released at the scene, and one person treated for hypothermia and a minor injury was also released at the scene, the release added.

By 2:45 pm, a little more than five hours after authorities were first notified of the situation all runners were accounted for and off the mountain, the sheriff’s office said.

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