The number of runners requiring medical treatment after the Santa Barbara Half-Marathon in California has climbed to 30. That’s up from 19 reported on Monday, the day after the race. Twenty-six of those runners were transported to local emergency departments. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department says all 30 experienced symptoms of heat-related illness after competing in temperatures reaching 86 degrees. The race had approximately 7,500 registered participants. However, concerns have also been raised that someone may have tampered with or drugged a water station during the event. Health inspectors investigated locations where electrolyte drinks were prepared for runners but found no violations or areas of concern. Officials have not confirmed any evidence of tampering. The investigation comes as questions remain about what caused so many runners to become ill during the race. Health officials are continuing to monitor the situation.
