Santa Barbara police have opened an investigation after 27 half-marathon runners sought medical care at local hospitals following the Santa Barbara Half Marathon on Sunday. The Santa Barbara Police Department confirmed the probe on Monday, citing reports from Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital about participants presenting with ‘unusual symptoms’ of undetermined cause.
The race, which drew approximately 7,500 participants, took place amid unusually high temperatures for November, with the National Weather Service reporting a high of 86°F by noon—well above the typical mid-70s range for the region. Event director David Monico stated that medical teams treated numerous runners for dehydration and overheating, with 15 runners transported from the medical tent to local hospitals. As of Monday morning, 24 patients had been discharged, while three remained hospitalized in stable condition.
Police have not disclosed the specific symptoms reported by the runners, describing them only as ‘unusual.’ Cottage Health, which operates the hospitals, noted a ‘larger than expected number of emergency visits’ with similar symptoms among the affected participants. The Santa Barbara Police Department did not provide further details on the investigation’s progress.
Race organizers emphasized that the illnesses were likely linked to the extreme heat, a claim echoed by meteorological data showing temperatures 15°F above seasonal norms. Monico stated in an emailed statement that the medical team’s interventions were consistent with standard procedures for endurance events. “Our medical team treated numerous runners for dehydration and overheating both on the course and at the finish line,” he said. “Some of those runners were transported to local hospitals for further treatment and enhanced care.”
The investigation remains active, with authorities yet to determine the root cause of the symptoms. A police spokesperson declined to comment on the status of the probe beyond confirming its existence.