Police investigate after 30 California marathon runners seek medical care
The Santa Barbara County Health Department said that the cause of the incident remains under investigation after 30 participants received medical treatment.
Police in California are investigating after over 30 participants in the Santa Barbara Half Marathon sought medical care on Sunday, according to the Santa Barbara Police Department. The incident, which occurred at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, involved multiple runners experiencing "unusual symptoms," prompting the hospital to report a larger-than-expected number of emergency visits, primarily related to heat-related issues.
By Monday morning, 27 participants had been treated and discharged, with three others in stable condition. The race, which covered roughly 21.1 kilometers along the Pacific Ocean and through Santa Barbara's downtown, saw around 7,500 participants. Organizers reported transporting 15 individuals from the medical tent to local hospitals due to dehydration and overheating.
The Santa Barbara County Health Department is also probing the incident, stating that it appears isolated and connected to the race, with no broader public health concerns. Dr. Henning Ansorg, County Health Officer, emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention if participants or spectators experience lingering symptoms after the event.
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