Tel Aviv marathon (archive)
Tel Aviv marathon (archive)Israel news photo: Flash 90

A man died suddenly Friday while running the Tel Aviv half marathon. The deceased, believed to be in his early 30s, died of severe heatstroke.

MDA paramedics are present along the race route and have treated more than 50 runners so far for heatstroke, dehydration and light injuries.

Fifteen people have been hospitalized.

The half marathon began Friday morning despite the heat and dry air. Roughly 35,000  runners are taking part, and many thousands of people are waiting along the race route to encourage them.

The race began at 5:45 a.m. There was also a 10-kilometer race.