Runners' dismay as UK ultra marathon group stops trading

Runners have told of their dismay and frustration after a UK ultra marathon events company stopped trading. Ourea Events, which runs the Dragon's Back Race in Wales and Cape Wrath Ultra in Scotland among others, said it had operated at a loss since the pandemic and could not continue. But Ben Morris, who was due to run the company's Northern Traverse event across Cumbria and Yorkshire in two weeks, said he felt "like I've been scammed" and did not know if he will get a refund after spending about £900 for the event. The BBC has contacted Ourea for a response, but a statement from the firm said trying to continue "risks increasing the overall debt owed to creditors, participants and suppliers". Ourea Events said all of its races were impacted, which included the 186-mile (300km) Northern Traverse, Lakes Traverse, Dales Traverse and Moors Traverse. The Cape Wrath Ultra, Skyline Scotland and Dragon's Back Race would also be affected. In a statement, the group said it had a "significantly weakened financial position" following the pandemic and Brexit, "which led to a collapse in international participation". It said its decision would "allow the business to undergo a reorganisation". T