Heat wave kills 1, injures dozens in Tel Aviv marathon

USPA News - At least one person died and dozens of others suffered from severe heat strokes during Tel Aviv`s marathon in Israel, local officials said Friday. As temperatures reached up to 45 degrees Celsius as early as 8 a.m. local time, medical teams were aiding an alarming number of participants in the marathon due to heat strokes.

Michael Michaelovitch, 29 and member of the Israel Defense Forces, died due to the strong heat wave that struck Tel Aviv, officials told Ynet News. He is survived by his wife and two-month-old baby. The heat wave was anticipated, and following recommendations from Israel`s Health Ministry, the marathon only carried out the 10 and 22 kilometer marathons. Organizers postponed the full 42-kilometer marathon until next Friday. Nonetheless, medical teams were treating a number of runners. Many of them had fainted before 8 a.m. local time, and some of the injured were reported in serious condition. Although some media outlets reported twelve injured, some said over 30 runners were treated, including several who were taken to local hospitals. Although the heat wave was expected to cause several runners to suffer from dehydration, medical teams were working non-stop with many of the runners who became unconscious required artificial respiration and even CPR. Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai told the media outlet that the event was carried out in coordination with the Health Minister, although he called for a thorough investigation.