Ethiopian marathon runner, Yebrgual Melese, has d!ed at the age of 36 after falling ill in training.

 

Melese was preparing for a race in Ottawa on May 24, but she had a sudden medical emergency in Addis Ababa, her nation’s capital.

 

She was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday, May 12, but medics were unable to save her, according to local media.

 

‘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,’ a statement read.

 

Melese had won the Houston, Shanghai, and Prague Marathons in the past.

 

The long-distance star was one of the favourites for the race in Ottawa later this month.

 

Her best time was 2:19:33, which she posted in Dubai in 2018. That landed her 13th on the all-time list in speed for a women’s marathon.

 

She also finished second in the Boston Marathon, one of the foremost seven races of the distance in the world, in 2015.