Rescuers said on Sunday that after hail, freezing rain and high winds hit high-altitude areas, at least 20 people in northwestern China participated in the mountain marathon cross-country race.

The official Xinhua news agency quoted the rescue headquarters as saying that around 1 pm local time on Saturday, hail, freezing rain and gales hit the 100-kilometer race in the Yellow River Stone Forest tourist area in Baiyin City, Gansu Province.

It stated that the participants suffered physical discomfort and a sudden drop in temperature. Some people were missing and the game was suspended.

The national broadcaster CCTV reported that early Sunday, 20 people were found dead, including one missing. The low night temperature and the complex topography and topography of the area made more than 700 rescuers participate in the operation.

Xinhua News Agency said that a total of 172 people participated in the competition, of which 151 were confirmed to be safe.