Public health
Police investigate after 25 Santa Barbara half-marathon runners seek care
Cottage Health said 25 half-marathon participants arrived at emergency rooms, 18 were discharged by Monday morning and the others were stable.
The Santa Barbara Police Department opened an investigation after Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital reported multiple participants in the Santa Barbara Half Marathon sought medical care for unusual symptoms, MedPage Today reported. Cottage Health said 25 participants arrived at emergency rooms at its Santa Barbara and Goleta locations. As of Monday morning, 18 had been discharged, and the others were in stable condition.
Race director David Monico said organizers transported 15 people from the event’s medical tent to local hospitals. He said medical staff treated numerous runners for dehydration and overheating on the course and at the finish line. Organizers believe any illness was attributable to heat or dehydration. Police and the hospital had not detailed the symptoms. Roughly 7,500 people participated, according to MedPage Today.
