Santa Barbara police opened a formal investigation after nearly 30 runners were hospitalized following the Santa Barbara Half marathon on November 8, 2026. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital alerted police to the affected runners, prompting the inquiry.
The 13-mile race was held during unusually high temperatures for November, according to The Guardian. At least 25 runners sought medical treatment, NBC News reported, and authorities described their symptoms as unusual.
Santa Barbara police issued a statement to the Associated Press about the investigation. Angel Corzo, a reporter for the Santa Barbara News-Press, discussed the inquiry with NBC News anchor Yasmin Vossoughian.