Santa Barbara Half Marathon: Mystery illness investigations continue after 27 runners hospitalised
Health officials have been forced to investigate after dozens of runners were hospitalised during an event on Sunday.
Health officials believe the cause of an illness that hospitalised two dozens of runners may be attributable to typical marathon side effects.
Over the weekend, the Santa Barbara half marathon saw nearly 30 runners hospitalised with a mystery illness that left the health department and local hospitals speculating the cause of these heightened hospitalisations.
Runners experienced a range of “unusual symptoms,” with race organisers saying they believe these are attributable to heat or dehydration.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Investigations by the environmental health inspectors found no evidence of water or electrolytes distributed during the race being tampered with or containing drugs, after rumours began to emerge on social media.
“There is no indication of a broader public health concern or ongoing risk to the community,” the Santa Barbara Public Health Department said in a press release.
Instead they announced late on Monday that it appears to be connected to heat and physical exertion, as unseasonably high temperatures were recorded.
National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Kitell said temperatures were much higher than usual for November, reaching 27 degrees by 10am, a jump from the lower usual of 23-24 degrees.
The Health Department states of the 7,500 registered runners, 30 received medical treatment, with most being referred to local hospitals.
A police investigation remains ongoing, and marathon organisers say they are cooperating with authorities.
