Ethiopian marathon runner Yebrgual Melese died at the age of 36 after becoming sick during her training, according to the Daily Mail.
Melese reportedly suffered a medical emergency in Addis Ababa while preparing for the Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Maraton on May 24, and was transported to a hospital Tuesday.
Yebrgual Melese of Ethiopia crosses the finish line to place first of the women at the Prague Marathon in the Czech capital on May 03, 2015. AFP via Getty Images “The Ethiopian Athletics Federation expresses its deep sorrow over the sudden passing of this heroic athlete and offers condolences to her family, friends and fans,” the federation said in a statement.
Melese enjoyed a productive running career dating 15-plus years, winning several notable races and ranking as high as No. 6 in women’s marathon runners and No. 37 overall, per worldathletics.org.
She won the Shanghai International Marathon in both 2018 and ’19, and emerged victorious in both the Praha Marathon and Houston Marathon in 2015.
In 2013, Melese won the Ethopian Championships in the 10,000 meters category.
She also finished second at the Chicago Marathon in 2015 with a time of 2:23:43, came in fifth the following year and finished eighth in 2024 at the BMW Berlin Marathon by finishing in 2:21:39.
She logged her best marathon time in 2018, when she posted a 2:19:36 mark at the Dubai Standard Chartered Marathon.
Yebrgual Melese Arage of Ethiopia celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the Shanghai International Marathon in Shanghai on November 18, 2018. AFP via Getty Images Finishing with a time south of 2:20 is considered a special achievement in the racing community.
“Known to sit comfortably in the lead pack and kick for the last 10 km, she was always someone to keep your eye on in the elite field,” wrote runningmagazine.ca’s Hayden West.
Melese last competed May 25, 2025 in the Miyun Eco Marathon in Beijing, failing to complete the race, according to worldathletics.org.
Two months prior, she finished second in the Zurich Marato Barcelona marathon.
Melese is survived by her husband and two children, according to runningmagazine.ca.
