Santa Barbara police investigate ‘suspicious circumstances’ after more than two dozen people fall ill during city’s half marathon

Santa Barbara police on Sunday opened an investigation into “suspicious circumstances” during the city’s half marathon, where nearly 30 people required treatment.

In a news release, Santa Barbara Police Department officers said they received a report from Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital regarding several half-marathon participants who were “seeking medical treatment for unusual symptoms” after the event ended.

Police said the people either arrived on their own or were taken to hospital by ambulance on Sunday.

“The cause of the reported symptoms has not been confirmed,” police said. “No specific actions are recommended to the public at this time; however, participants who feel unwell should seek medical attention and follow the advice of healthcare professionals.”

Half marathon organizers who spoke with CBS LA said they were aware of people who were hospitalized after the race and that their medical reports all listed heat or marathon exhaustion.

A Cottage Health spokesperson shared a statement regarding the incident on Sunday.

“We have a higher than expected number of emergency visits concerning participants in the race organized this morning in SB,” the press release said.

In an updated statement Monday, Cottage Health said it received 27 half-marathon participants in emergency rooms in Santa Barbara and Goleta. They said three of the patients remained hospitalized in stable condition, while the other two dozen were discharged after treatment.

The spokesperson said the investigation was still ongoing into whether the illnesses were linked to the heat or other factors, but did not provide further details.

Sunday’s race started at 7 a.m. on Cabrillo Boulevard, Yanonali Street, and continued until 11 a.m.

Anyone with more information was asked to contact SBPD Sergeant Andre Miller at 805-897-2330.