Runner collapses during 55-mile mountain race

A doctor from Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team assessed the runner before he was taken to hospital

An ultramarathon runner was airlifted to safety after he collapsed from the heat during a 55-mile (88.5km) mountain race, rescuers have said.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team (PMRT) were called to Grisedale Valley, in the Lake District, at about 16:00 BST on Saturday after the runner became pale, vomited and lost consciousness.

North West Ambulance Service contacted mountain rescue as well as the coastguard, which sent a helicopter to winch the man to safety before taking him to the King George playing field in Patterdale.

PMRT said the runner was then "checked over by a team doctor at Patterdale Base and transferred to hospital for further checks".

Temperatures in Grisedale reached 29C (85F) on Saturday, according to The Met Office.

PMRT said the rescue lasted two and a half hours and involved 11 team members, as well as the coastguard.