China punishes 27 officials after deadly ultra-marathon

China has punished 27 government officials deemed responsible for last month's ultra-marathon deaths, the state-run People's Daily said on Friday, one of the world's deadliest sporting tragedies in recent history.

Twenty-one people died of hypothermia when extremely cold weather suddenly descended on a government-organised 100km marathon on May 22 in the rugged northwestern province of Gansu.

The head of Jingtai county, where the race was held, was dismissed from her post, the People's Daily reported, citing a news briefing by investigators.

Other organisers held accountable included the mayor and the Communist Party chief of the city of Baiyin, to which the jurisdiction of Jingtai belongs.

Other punishments imposed on officials included major demerit ratings and disciplinary warnings.

Li Zuobi, the Jingtai county party chief, fell from his apartment building on June 9 and died, state media reported, adding that the police have ruled out homicide while Li's death was still being investigated.

It was not clear whether Li's death was linked to the ultra-marathon.

The investigators said the tragedy was a public safety incident brought about by extreme weather including high winds, heavy rain and plunging temperatures, as well as unprofessional organisation and operation.

China's sport administration said last week it was suspending all high-risk sports events that lack a supervisory body, established rules and clear safety standards.

The activities halted include mountain and desert trail sports, wingsuit flying and ultra-long distance running.