Nineteen participants in the Santa Barbara Half Marathon were hospitalized Sunday after experiencing "unusual symptoms," leading to a police investigation. One runner described feeling like she was "running through Jell-o" and had no memory of crossing the finish line, later waking up in a medical tent.
The Santa Barbara Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the multiple hospitalizations. The cause of the symptoms remains undetermined, and authorities have not confirmed allegations circulating on social media about tampered water stations.
David Monico, Event Director for the Santa Barbara Half Marathon, stated that the race's medical team treated numerous runners for dehydration and overheating. "Some of those runners were transported to local hospitals for further treatment and enhanced care," Monico said, adding that the organization hopes for the safe recovery of all participants and has no further information at this time. Temperatures in Santa Barbara reached 86 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, and Monico noted that hospitalizations are not uncommon during races in high heat.
One mother described her daughter's experience as "terrifying" and "horrifying." She questioned the heat exhaustion explanation, stating her daughter was well-prepared. The mother expressed frustration with race organizers, feeling there was a "lack of responsibility" and concern over the safety of the runners. "My concern is what incredibly dangerous thing just happened, and what if it happens again somewhere else?" she asked.
Santa Barbara City Fire Department Battalion Chief Cory Cloud reported that multiple emergency personnel responded to calls along the marathon route. A spokesperson for Cottage Health confirmed that 19 participants arrived at their emergency departments with similar symptoms of undetermined cause, and they are working to determine if heat or other factors were responsible. Police Lt. Ethan Ragsdale urged participants who feel unwell to seek medical attention and follow the guidance of healthcare professionals.