Ethiopian Marathon Runner Yebrgual Melese Dies at 36 After Medical Emergency

Ethiopian marathon runner Yebrgual Melese has died at the age of 36 following a medical emergency during training in Addis Ababa. The incident occurred while she was preparing for the Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon scheduled for May 24. Despite being transported to a hospital, medics were unable to save her life. The Ethiopian Athletics Federation expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to her family, friends, and fans. Melese had a distinguished career spanning over 15 years, achieving significant success in international competitions. Her notable victories include the Shanghai International Marathon in 2018 and 2019, as well as the Prague and Houston Marathons in 2015. She also secured second place at the Chicago Marathon in 2015 and recorded her personal best time of 2:19:36 at the 2018 Dubai Marathon. Recognized for her strong finishing kicks, Melese was a consistent contender in elite fields. She is survived by her husband and two children. Her recent performances included a second-place finish in Barcelona and an incomplete race in Beijing shortly before her passing.