Police launch probe after Santa Barbara half-marathon runners with 'unusual symptoms' seek medical care

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Set us as preferred Police in Santa Barbara launched an investigation this week after more than two dozen half-marathon runners showed up at hospitals with “unusual symptoms” after participating in a race on Sunday.The roughly 6,000 people who participated in the half-marathon and 5K were running in temperatures that were much warmer than usual for Santa Barbara, known for its ocean breeze and mild Mediterranean climate, and with little respite from the sun.It reached 86 degrees at noon, compared to a typical high of 71 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

While the race organizer confirmed they treated runners for dehydration and overheating, some online have speculated that something more sinister could be the cause of the illnesses.Police have not yet determined exactly what landed 27 people in two Cottage Health emergency rooms in Santa Barbara and Goleta, but said in a statement it is “actively investigating these reports.” The Santa Barbara Police Department did not provide additional comment.

On Sunday, officials reported that 19 people who had participated in the race, sponsored by the popular running shoe brand Hoka and organized by the group Run Local, were hospitalized.But, by Monday, that number had grown to 27.

Three people who participated in the race remain hospitalized in stable condition.The rest were released after receiving treatment, Cottage Health spokesperson Cristina Cortez said in a statement.

The race’s local event director, David Monico, said multiple people suffered from heat-related issues.“Our medical team treated numerous runners for dehydration and overheating both on the course and at the finish line,” Monico said in an emailed statement.“Some of those runners were transported to local hospitals for further treatment and enhanced care.”Monico declined to comm...