March 15, 2013
Man dies, dozens in hospital from heat at Tel Aviv marathon
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One man died and as many as 12 people suffered serious medical complications during a marathon held in Tel Aviv despite government warnings of extremely hot weather.
The municipality cut the marathon short.
According to Army Radio, the man, in his 30s, died on Friday as a result of heat exhaustion and possibly dehydration – the two causes that sent a total of about 30 runners to hospitals. Army Radio said 12 were in serious condition, while Israel Radio listed 3.
The Health Ministry advised runners to stop running after 8.30 A.M. because of the heatwave but many of the 35,000 who had gathered to run pressed on in the event’s two courses of 13 and 6.2 miles.
Shortly after medical teams reported serious cases, the city cancelled the event, which was held in humid conditions and a temperature of roughly 96.8 degrees. Average daytime temperatures in Tel Aviv in March are around 66.56 degrees.
Army Radio also quoted Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai as saying that President Obama's scheduled visit to Israel next week made it impossible to postpone the event.
