At least 19 runners hospitalized after falling ill during Santa Barbara Half Marathon

HEALTH & FITNESS At least 19 runners hospitalized after falling ill during Santa Barbara Half Marathon More than a dozen runners were being treated after falling ill during a half marathon in Santa Barbara on Sunday, officials said. Monday, November 9, 2026 2:19PM Share SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- More than a dozen runners were hospitalized after falling ill during a half marathon in Santa Barbara, California, on Sunday, according to officials. The Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital said it had treated at least 19 people with similar symptoms. The cause of the illnesses was not immediately known but the hospital said they are looking into the possibility of the heat contributing to the high volume of runners visiting the emergency room. A spokesperson for Run Local, the organizer behind the marathon, released the following statement: "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." The Santa Barbara Police Department said in a statement that they are investigating multiple reports of half marathon participants " seeking medical treatment for unusual symptoms after the event concluded." "Individuals were transported by ambulance, self-transported or arrived as 'walk-ins' at Santa Barbara and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospitals," the statement continued. More than 7,500 people participated in the race, officials said. Among them were Claire Hindman and her fiancee Christian Noyola. "The heat definitely threw me off a bit," Hindman said. "Unfortunately, I was suffering a lot honestly," Noyola added. At the finish line, Eric Metoyer waited for his wife where he heard several calls for the paramedics. "I heard that call once maybe twice when I was at the finish line," Metoyer said. NVIDIA announces investigation of CEO amid foreign intelligence target allegations 27 minutes ago Toddler killed in 2-car crash near Apple's headquarters in Cupertino ID'd by coroner's office Suspect in deadly Poland shooting dies in hospital, police say Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital said they are investigating whether heat or another factor contributed to the illnesses after all 19 participants taken to the emergency department reported similar symptoms. "I was actually here last year. I didn't participate then, but I don't think it was this hot," said half marathon runner Jessica Metoyer. Water stations are located about every 1.5 to 2.5 miles along the route. each of those stations contained Voli hydration sunset strawberry lemonade, along with water and energy gels with assorted snacks at the finish line. "We were trying to be conservative for the people behind us so I would grab two, one electrolyte, one water and I would take the electrolytes, but I would hand the water to her as well." Authorities did not release further information on the patients' conditions. Police are asking anyone with information about the incident, or anyone who participated in the marathon and experienced unusual symptoms afterward, to contact Sgt. Andre Miller at 805-897-2330. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved. Related Topics HEALTH & FITNESS RUNNING U.S. & WORLD HEAT EXERCISE Live Streams ON NOW NVIDIA investigating CEO accused of having affair with Chinese spy 27 minutes ago Toddler killed in crash near Apple's headquarters in Cupertino ID'd Suspect in deadly Poland shooting dies in hospital, police say CA's Great America in Santa Clara announces when it will shut down Trump says he was kidding about making UFC's White press secretary Cruise ship worker found floating miles offshore, rescued by fishermen 1 hour ago SF residents scoop up free sandbags ahead of predicted El Niño storms Russell Brand sentenced to 10 years 6 months in prison for rape, sexual assault 23 minutes ago