Police investigate after dozens of runners fall ill at Santa Barbara half-marathon

Résumé détaillé

Authorities are baffled after the runners were admitted 'for unusual symptoms' including 'hallucinating' and forgetting large spells of the race

Authorities are investigating after dozens of runners fell ill after a half-marathon.

Police in Santa Barbara, California, said that 27 runners were treated in hospital after the 13.1-mile event on Sunday, November 8. The force said it was investigating due to the 'unusual symptoms.

"The cause of the reported symptoms has not been confirmed," a statement from the police said. Santa Barbara Cottage hospital said it had a 'larger than expected number of emergency visits … a number of them with similar symptoms of undetermined cause'.

One of the runners who was treated in hospital told local news outlet KEYT-TV that they had lost consciousness and could not remember parts of the race. "It is awfully suspicious," said the runner, who declined to be identified. "We had people saying they were hallucinating.

"I am not too familiar with heat exhaustion but I have never seen anyone not remembering a long portion of their run."

More than 4,640 people completed the run, which took place on a day when maximum temperatures hit 31.1c. Race organisers have reportedly said that heat was to blame, while authorities have declined to outline what they think was responsible.

Event director David Monico said organisers transported 15 people from the medical tent to local hospitals, with many more being treated for dehydration and overheating. He said that 'no additional information to suggest that the issues some of the participants experienced were caused by anything other than endurance event exertion-related symptoms'.

"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," police said.

As of Monday morning, 24 of the 27 people seeking hospital treatment had been discharged.

Début de l'article, extrait de Daily Mirror. Pour lire la suite, ouvrez l'article chez le média.