Unfortunately, such events are held on shabbos, the only day off in Israel, and this was the case on shabbos in Ein Geidi, as 3,000 runners from Israel and around the world took part in the race from the “lowest place on earth”.

This year, the unseasonably warm temperatures took its toll, leading to 11 runners being treated for heat exhaustion/stroke. Three were listed in serious condition; air lifted to Hadassah Ein Kerem/Jerusalem and Soroka Medical Center/Beersheva trauma units. Organizers explain those who required medical assistance are all from Europe and apparently, unaccustomed to running on a 40C (104F) day.

The winners in the men’s and women’s race were both Ethiopians.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)