Numbers Grow as Marathon Mystery Remains an Active Investigation in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - A marathon mystery is under investigation after 25 people were hospitalized in Santa Barbara during and after a Half-Marathon event.

Runners were brought to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara and Goleta and extra medical help was called in to respond to serious and suspicious health concerns.

Some runners say it all happened in the last part of the event, nearby around State St. at Ortega, Cota and Haley Streets.

At least one runner on the ground and unresponsive was seen near the end of the race and waited more than 10 minutes for medical help according to a witness nearby who was unclear what caused the collapse.

AMR ambulances were seen in multiple locations and additional resources were urgently called in, including an ambulance that serves UC Santa Barbara and Isla Vista.

Later in the day multiple Santa Barbara Police cars and officers were seen at the emergency room at Cottage Hospital as part of the investigation. The area was full of family members and friends concerned about those getting treatment.

Blood tests may reveal an answer.

The event organizers are also investigating and said heat may have been a factor. The temperatures at the finish line on State and Gutierrez St. in downtown were in the 70's.

Cottage Hospital confirmed the unusually higher number of patients that came in Sunday afternoon and is working with the patients and police on the response protocols.

The Santa Barbara Police Department has an active investigation and is asking for anyone who has information or had an illness and did not go to the hospital to contact them.

The Santa Barbara District Attorney's Office says it is not involved at this time, but is prepared if a crime has been verified.

Cottage Hospital Statement Monday:

"On Sunday, November 8, a total of 25 participants from the running event in Santa Barbara arrived at Cottage Health emergency departments in Santa Barbara and Goleta. Cottage teams responded quickly to provide care for these patients, while continuing ongoing care for other hospital and emergency visits as well. We thank our local first responders for their partnership in caring for our community. As of this morning, 18 of those patients have been discharged from the hospital. The 6 patients who remain in the hospital are all in stable condition."

The hospital later restated that 19 of those patients have been discharged from the hospital. The 6 patients who remain in the hospital are all in stable condition.

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