OMM Newsroom
Police in Santa Barbara, California, are investigating after 27 people who took part in a half-marathon sought medical care, according to BBC World.
Officers said they received a report from Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital about runners who sought treatment for “unusual symptoms” after the race ended. The cause of the symptoms has not been confirmed.
Cottage Health, which operates the hospital, told “CBS News” it had seen a larger-than-expected number of emergency visits from race participants. The hospital treated 27 people at emergency rooms in Santa Barbara and nearby Goleta.
Twenty-four people were discharged after treatment. As of Monday, three remained in hospital in stable condition.
Several thousand people ran the event along the Pacific Ocean on a hotter-than-usual day. Temperatures reportedly reached 86F (27C) by midday, compared with typical early-November temperatures in the low 70s.
One runner who went to hospital told local outlet “KEYT-TV” they had lost consciousness and could not remember parts of the race. The runner, who declined to be identified, called the situation “awfully suspicious” and said some participants had reported hallucinating.
“I am not too familiar with heat exhaustion but I have never seen anyone not remembering a long portion of their run,” the runner said.
Race director David Monico told US media that 15 people had been taken from the medical tent to local hospitals because of dehydration and overheating.
Police said there was no specific action recommended for the public, but advised participants who felt unwell to seek medical attention and follow healthcare professionals’ guidance.
BBC World said it had contacted the Santa Barbara Police Department, Cottage Health and the half-marathon organisers for further comment.
