Santa Barbara Police Investigate Half-Marathon Illnesses

Santa Barbara police are investigating after participants in the Santa Barbara Half Marathon sought medical care for similar, unexplained symptoms. Cottage Health said 25 runners arrived at its emergency departments in Santa Barbara and Goleta on November 8, and the cause of their illnesses has not been established.

The hospital initially reported that 18 patients had been discharged and six remained hospitalized in stable condition. A later update said 19 had been discharged, while six remained in stable condition. The reports do not provide a final account of every patient’s outcome.

Police said they opened the investigation after receiving reports of participants seeking treatment for unusual symptoms. The department has asked runners who experienced unusual symptoms, including those who did not go to a hospital, and anyone with information to contact it. The police statement said participants reached the hospitals by ambulance, on their own or as walk-ins.

Race director David Monico said the event’s medical team treated runners for dehydration and overheating, both on the course and at the finish line. He said organizers considered heat a possible factor. Cottage Health said...