Ultramarathon runner carried down mountain in dark

Image source, NNPMRT

Image caption, The competitor was rescued in the early hours of Friday
  • Author, Jason Arunn Murugesu
  • Role, ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ News, North East and Cumbria

A runner competing in a non-stop ultramarathon had to be stretchered down a mountain in the middle of the night.

The competitor was taking part in the Montane Spine Race which is a 268-mile (431km) race across the Pennine Way. Participants are expected to run at all hours.

On Friday at 00:13 BST, Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team (NNPMRT) as well as North of Tyne Mountain Rescue (NOTMRT) were called about a man who had injured their leg on the Cheviot Hills.

NNPRMT said "unfortunately" the injury happened in one of the "most remote and difficult to access locations on the entire route".

In a rescue involving Scottish rescue teams as well, the man was given medical aid and then stretchered down the hills in the dark for 2.2 miles (3.5km).

The runner was then transferred into a 4X4 and then afterwards a Scottish ambulance.

The rescue involved 22 team members and lasted about seven hours and 15 minutes.

NOTMRT said it was a "glorious midsummer’s night" to be on the hills.

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