Record-Breaking Tel Aviv Marathon Sees Over 50,000 Runners, Dozens Treated for Heatstroke
February 28, 2026
By
Anna F.
Record-breaking crowds turned out for the Tel Aviv Marathon, with more than 50,000 runners hitting the streets on Friday. But the heat took a toll, sending dozens for medical care, including several in critical condition treated for heatstroke.
The Tel Aviv Marathon drew more than 50,000 participants on Friday, marking the largest edition in the event’s history.
But alongside the record turnout came a wave of medical incidents, with dozens of runners requiring treatment for heat-related and other conditions.
Runners in the Tel Aviv marathon (Credit: Tel Aviv Municipality)
According to reports, 35 runners received medical attention at Sourasky Medical Center’s on-site medical tent over the course of the race.
Six of them were later transported to the hospital for extended observation and treatment.
Medical teams treated participants for heatstroke, general weakness, arrhythmia, and various orthopedic injuries.
Five runners were reported to be in critical condition after arriving at the tent suffering from heatstroke. They were immediately placed in ice baths in an effort to rapidly lower their body temperatures and stabilize their condition.
An additional two runners were listed in medium condition. The remaining individuals treated at the medical facility were classified as being in mild condition and were released after monitoring.
Despite the medical emergencies, the marathon proceeded with high energy, as tens of thousands of runners filled the streets of Tel Aviv in a display of endurance and community spirit.
The scale of participation reflects the growing popularity of distance running in Israel, even as rising temperatures pose increasing risks for outdoor sporting events.