California police investigate after 27 fall ill at half-marathon running event

What the report says

Police in Santa Barbara, California, are investigating after 27 people sought medical care following a half-marathon held on Sunday. According to statements cited by BBC World News from police and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, runners reported “unusual” symptoms after the race, but the cause had not been confirmed. The hospital said it saw a larger-than-expected number of emergency visits from race participants and advised anyone feeling unwell to seek medical attention.

Cottage Health said 27 runners were treated at emergency rooms in Santa Barbara and nearby Goleta. Most were released after treatment, while three remained in hospital in stable condition as of Monday. Police said there was no specific public safety action recommended at that time. Event director David Monico told US media that 15 people were taken from the medical tent to local hospitals because of dehydration and overheating.

The race took place on a hotter-than-usual day for Santa Barbara, with temperatures reportedly reaching 86F (27C) by midday. Several thousand people took part in the event along the Pacific coast. One runner who spoke to local television said some participants experienced memory loss and hallucination-like symptoms, though that account has not been independently confirmed by the hospital or police. The incident highlights the risks of endurance events during unusually warm conditions.