At least 19 hospitalised with mystery illness after runner develop 'unusual symptoms' at half marathon
A growing number of runners have been hospitalised after falling ill with a mystery condition during a half marathon in California, with authorities now investigating what happened.
The participants were among thousands who took part in the Santa Barbara Half Marathon on Sunday (8 Nov), but several were left needing medical attention after experiencing unusual symptoms.
According to reports, patients were treated at Santa Barbara and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospitals, with medical staff investigating what could have caused the unexpected number of emergency visits.
In a statement, Cottage Health said: "We have a larger than expected number of emergency visits that are tracked to participants in this morning’s organized run in [Santa Barbara]."
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The hospital added: "This morning 19 participants arrived at Cottage [emergency departments], a number of them with similar symptoms of undetermined cause. We are working to determine whether this is due to the heat or other factors."
David Monico, the event's local director, told the Los Angeles Times that 15 of those hospitalised were suffering from heat exhaustion and had not been seriously injured.
However, the cause of the wider illness has yet to be confirmed.
The Santa Barbara Police Department has launched an investigation after receiving multiple reports of participants seeking medical treatment for unusual symptoms following the race.
A spokesperson for organisers Run Local said: "At this time, we have no reason to believe that there was anything out of the ordinary that occurred during today's race, besides typical heat-related illness or exhaustion that can take place while participating in long endurance events such as a half marathon."
More than 7,500 people took part in the 13.1-mile event, which was sponsored by running brand Hoka.
Water stations were reportedly positioned every 1.5 to 2.5 miles along the course, offering participants water, hydration drinks and energy gels.
The incident comes just days after the death of 24-year-old Rachel Apa, who collapsed towards the end of the New York City Marathon on November 1.
Her father told The New York Times that her death was linked to rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition in which damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases substances into the bloodstream that can cause kidney damage.
According to TIME, extreme exercise can trigger the condition, while dehydration and high temperatures can increase the risks.
Symptoms can include muscle pain and dark urine, and treatment may involve intravenous fluids and monitoring kidney function.
There is currently no indication that rhabdomyolysis was responsible for the illnesses at the Santa Barbara event, however.
Police have stressed that the cause of the reported symptoms has not been established.
In a statement, the department said: "There is no specific action recommended for the public at this time; however, participants who feel unwell should seek medical attention and follow guidance from healthcare professionals."
Rhianna Benson
