IDF sergeant collapses and dies during half marathon in 95 degrees heat; over 20 hospitalized.

IDF sergeant collapses and dies during half marathon in 95 degrees heat; over 20 hospitalized.(TOI).participant in the Tel Aviv half marathon collapsed and died Friday morning, and more than 20 others were hospitalized due to extremely hot conditions.

The deceased runner, Michael Michaelovitch, was a 29-year-old IDF sergeant from the settlement of Tene, south of Hebron. He collapsed along the route and was taken to the city’s Sourasky Medical Center, where his death was confirmed. Twelve other participants were in serious condition at the same hospital, with four of them on respirators, reported Israel Radio.

A 29-year-old man who participated in a shortened Tel Aviv Marathon on Friday died and a dozen others were in serious condition from dehydration after ignoring the Health Ministry’s warning that the searing heat and humidity would make participation a danger to health.

Magen David Adom ambulances evacuated the victims and took them to Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, while medics treated dozens of others affected lightly or moderately for heatstroke, in which the loss of body fluids affects numerous organs. MDA spokesman Zaki Heller said five were in the most danger and were put under anesthesia and respirated in the hospital. In addition to Sourasky, Wolfson Medical Center in Holon and Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer also admitted patients.

Upon the ministry's recommendation, the full 42-kilometer marathon was cancelled. The ministry also advised that all runners for shorter races reach the finish line no later than 8.30 a.m. and preferably earlier before the temperature would reach 30. The full marathon is due to be held on March 22. But many runners -- and tens of thousands of spectators -- participated on Friday nevertheless as the thermometers popped through the 36-degree-Celsius mark.

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai responded to the incident: "the city of Tel Aviv expresses its deep regret over the death of one of the runners in the city's marathon." He added that the city followed instructions from the Health Ministry and Ichilov Hospital in deciding to hold only the half marathon, so the event would end by 9:30 am.

Huldai said that runner who died was taking part in the half marathon and began running at 6am and was treated by medical staff at 8am. At the time the weather was only somewhat hot, according to the weather services, Huldai said.

Army Radio also quoted Huldai as saying that in light of US President Barack Obama's scheduled visit to Israel next week, it would not have been possible to postpone the events that took place on Friday.Hmmmm.....'The show must go on'?Read the full story here, more here at Carl in jerusalem.