Record-Breaking Marathon Runner Tragically Dead At 36 After Medical Emergency

A general view of runners nearing the finish line (Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images)

Record-Breaking Marathon Runner Tragically Dead At 36 After Medical Emergency

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Darrelle Lincoln | Last updated May 13, 2026 2:54 PM ET

Ethiopian long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese had a lot more life to live, but it ended unexpectedly.

The global running community is in mourning after Melese died at the age of 36 after becoming sick during her training, according to the Daily Mail. She reportedly suffered a medical emergency in Addis Ababa while preparing for the Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon.

Melese was transported to a hospital on Tuesday, but medics ultimately could not save her.

“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.

Yebrgual Melese Made a Name For Herself

Half marathon runners continue down the canyon during the Colorado Marathon on May 3, 2026, in the Poudre Canyon near Bellvue, Colo.

Melese enjoyed a productive running career dating back 15-plus years prior to her untimely death. She won several notable races and ranked as high as No. 6 in women’s marathon runners and No. 37 overall, per worldathletics.org.

Yebrgual won the Shanghai International Marathon in both 2018 and 2019. She also emerged victorious in both the Praha Marathon and Houston Marathon in 2015. In 2013, Melese won the Ethiopian Championships in the 10,000 meters category.

She also finished second at the Chicago Marathon in 2015 with a time of 2:23:43. Yebrgual came in fifth the following year and finished eighth in 2024 at the BMW Berlin Marathon, finishing in 2:21:39. Wherever there was a race, she was sure to be there.

Melese logged her best marathon time in 2018, when she posted a 2:19:36 mark at the Dubai Standard Chartered Marathon.

Before her death, she last competed on May 25, 2025, in the Miyun Eco Marathon in Beijing. She failed to complete that race. Just months before that, Yebrgual Melese finished second in the Zurich Maratón de Barcelona marathon.

Her untimely death leaves behind her husband and two children.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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