Rescuers have launched a search for a man who disappeared during a marathon on Mount Yalangas in the Beloretsky district of Bashkiria, the regional authorities confirmed. The incident was reported by the press service of the Republic Ministry of Emergency Situations Main Directorate.
On September 4, a wife notified regional officials that her husband, a Russian national born in 1980, had not returned home after taking part in the Mount Yalangas ascent as part of a marathon organized by the Russian Geographical Society. The alert prompted an immediate response from emergency crews, who rapidly began a systematic search in the vicinity. Authorities located the participant’s vehicle at the Raspberry base, providing a crucial lead for the operation.
With daylight breaking on September 5, rescue teams planned to broaden the search by enlisting volunteers and expanding the geographical reach to include higher terrain, rocky ridges, and potential shelter sites along the commonly traveled route. In parallel, the emergency services prepared to deploy the KA-32 fire and rescue helicopter to cover hard-to-reach sections and to assist ground teams with aerial reconnaissance and rapid extraction if needed.
The ongoing effort underscores the challenges rescue operations face in volcanic and high-altitude environments, where weather shifts and rugged terrain can complicate tracking and communication. Local authorities coordinated with the Russian Geographical Society and regional volunteers to maintain continuous search coverage, share updated terrain information, and refresh survivor signals to maximize the chance of locating the missing hiker.
Earlier in the ascent, investigators noted the hazardous nature of the terrain, including uneven volcanic slopes and rapidly changing weather conditions that can obscure tracks and hinder visibility. As teams press on, they are prioritizing safe navigation, rest breaks for exhausted searchers, and the preservation of any potential evidence that could indicate a person’s location. The situation remains dynamic, with officials reiterating that the mission is ongoing and that every possible lead is being pursued to bring the missing man back safely.