Three runners remain hospitalized after California half-marathon sends 27 to emergency rooms

A California half-marathon sent 27 participants to emergency rooms after several thousand runners gathered in Santa Barbara on a hotter-than-usual day, according to the BBC.

Three runners remained hospitalized in stable condition, and police are investigating what caused the illnesses.

Here's what to know

Police indicated that the runners exhibited "unusual symptoms" in a statement to CBS News, the BBC's U.S. partner. 

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital alerted police after participants sought post-race treatment.

Twenty-four patients were discharged after seeking medical attention. 

Emergency departments in Santa Barbara and nearby Goleta cared for the participants.

The hospital's operator, Cottage Health, told CBS News that race participants accounted for "a larger than expected number of emergency visits".

More background

By midday, temperatures reportedly reached 86 degrees Fahrenheit in Santa Barbara, where several thousand people took part in the race along the Pacific coast.

Santa Barbara usually sees temperatures in the low 70s in early November, well below those reported on race day.

David Monico, the event director, told reporters that dehydration and overheating prompted hospital transfers for 15 people from the race's medical tent, according to the BBC.

What's being done?

"The cause of the reported symptoms has not been confirmed," officers said in a statement to CBS News.

The BBC sought further comment from police, Cottage Health, and race organizers.

"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 advised in their statement.

Where can I learn more?

The Santa Barbara hospitalizations raise concerns about keeping athletes safe in unusually hot weather. These stories examine flooded races, storm rescues, and overheating emergencies.

• In New Jersey, half-marathon runners waded through waist-deep floodwater as 250 finished.

• Utah's Moab 240 ended with 70 runners and volunteers stranded overnight amid storms.

• Three ROTC students were hospitalized after overheating during activities in Phoenix.

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