Police in Santa Barbara, California, are investigating what they describe as suspicious circumstances after nearly 20 runners were hospitalized following a half-marathon on Sunday. Several participants reported unusual symptoms.
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital contacted police after runners sought treatment following the race. The department said the cause of the symptoms has not been determined.
Police said there is no specific advice for the public at this time. Runners who feel unwell should seek medical care and follow the guidance of health professionals.
Those who were hospitalized either went to the hospital themselves or were taken there by ambulance. Cottage Health said 19 patients arrived at its emergency departments that morning, some with similar symptoms of unknown cause. The hospital is working to determine whether heat or other factors may have played a part.
Organizers said they had no reason to believe anything unusual happened during the race and suggested the illnesses may have been related to heat or exhaustion, which can occur during long-distance events.
About 7,500 people took part in the half-marathon.
