Ethiopian marathon runner Yebrguall Melese has died at the age of 36, the Ethiopian Athletics Federation confirmed in a statement expressing shock and sorrow over her sudden passing.
According to the federation, Melese died while on a regular training run as she prepared for upcoming competitions, including the Ottawa Marathon in Canada. The federation described her as a “hero athlete” and extended condolences to her family, friends, and the wider athletics community.
Melese had competed as recently as last month at the Paris Marathon, where she did not finish the race. Over a long and distinguished career, she represented Ethiopia at several international events and established herself as one of the country’s leading distance runners.
One of her biggest achievements came at the 2015 Chicago Marathon, where she finished second against a world-class field. She also claimed victories at the Shanghai, Prague, and Houston marathons, while winning the Paris Half Marathon twice and the Lisbon Half Marathon once.
Melese earned a bronze medal in the half marathon at the 2015 All-African Games in Brazzaville, Congo, adding another major international medal to her résumé.
In 2018, she recorded her personal best marathon time of 2:19:36, placing her among the fastest Ethiopian women of her generation. Known for her consistency and strength across the marathon circuit, Melese built a respected career over more than a decade in elite road racing.
Her death has sent shockwaves through the athletics community, particularly in Ethiopia, a nation with a rich tradition of long-distance running. Tributes have continued to pour in from athletes, fans, and officials remembering her achievements and contribution to the sport.