Download our Free 8-Week Plan here →

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.

You Might Also Like

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 Returns With Lighter Build, Revamped GPS and 14-Day Battery

Huawei’s Watch GT Runner 2 targets Garmin’s mid-range with a 34.5g titanium build, new dual-band GPS, and serious training tools like running power and lactate threshold plus up to 14-day battery life at £349.99, launching 26 February 2026.

Tshepiso Masalela DQ Explained: Finger-Gun Gesture, TR 7.1, and the 1500m Result Change

Tshepiso Masalela’s 3:32.55 win at the Orlen Copernicus Cup was wiped out within minutes after a finger-gun gesture toward Azeddine Habz triggered a TR 7.1 “improper conduct” DQ raising the bigger question: was this really disqualification-worthy?

You Don’t Need a 20-Miler: Why Weekly Volume, Not One Epic Run, Builds Marathon Strength

Kevin Hanson says the 20-mile long run is more tradition than physiology. His Hansons Marathon Method caps long runs around 16 miles, prioritizing consistent weekly mileage and quality sessions to build marathon-ready strength on tired legs.

Run Five, Earn the Title: Europe Unveils Ambitious Eight-City Marathon Challenge

Chasing a new marathon milestone in Europe just got easier: the European Marathon Classics links eight iconic races into one challenge. Run any five cities no time limit—and earn a buildable finisher medal, with past results set to count via verification later in 2026.

French Runner Mohammed El Yamani, 61, Breaks 60–64 Marathon World Record in Seville

Mohammed El Yamani, 61, shattered the men’s 60–64 marathon world record in Seville with a 2:28:28, slicing 1:34 off Tommy Hughes’ 2020 mark an extraordinary comeback after two injury-hit years away from running.

Jeff Galloway, Olympian and Architect of the Run/Walk Method, Dies at 80

Jeff Galloway, 1972 U.S. Olympian and creator of the run/walk method that helped thousands finish marathons with fewer injuries, has died at 80 after stroke-related complications.