The Race The Rockies adventure race got underway this weekend and was meant to offer teams a fun, adventurous, challenge. But the race was abruptly cancelled following the death of one of the competitors on the course.
46-year-old adventure racer Marty Lund was found unconscious on the trail Saturday by another team competing in the race. They were soon joined by others and an attempt to administer CPR was undertaken, while an emergency call was placed for an evac. Due to the remote nature of the event however, the search and rescue team was unable to reach the location on time, and Lund was already gone before they could assist in any manner.
Upon hearing word of the accident, the race organizers cancelled the remaining portions of the race, which was designed to be a 24 hour event with trekking, mountain biking, and paddling sections. Most of the teams were on a trekking section that was quite early in the race when the Lund's death occurred. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
This is certainly not the first time someone has died on the course of an adventure race. I can assure you that great strides are made to try to ensure the safety of athletes while they are in the field, but sometimes accidents happen, and the racers know the risks they take when they enter the sport. In this case, it sounds like a pre-existing health issue, such as a heart condition, may have played a role. My condolences to Marty's friends and family.
You can read more at BCLoalNews.com and at The Vancouver Sun. Thanks to The Adventurist for the tip on this one.
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