Ethiopian marathon runner Yebrgual Melese has tragically passed away at the age of 36 after falling ill during a training session, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Melese experienced a medical emergency while training in Addis Ababa for the Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon scheduled for May 24. She was swiftly taken to a hospital on Tuesday, but despite medical efforts, her life could not be saved.
The Ethiopian Athletics Federation released a statement expressing profound sorrow over the loss of the esteemed athlete, extending heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and supporters.
Throughout her 15-year career, Melese achieved significant milestones, claiming victory in numerous prominent races. She reached impressive rankings, having been positioned as high as sixth among female marathon runners and 37th overall, according to worldathletics.org.
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.
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.