What happened to Yebrgual Melese? Marathon runner dies at the age of 36
To everyone’s shock, Ethiopian long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese has died at the age of 36.
He was busy training for the Ottawa International Marathon, scheduled for May 24, 2026. According to the BBC, Yebrgual suffered a sudden health emergency while training in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, but the doctors could not save him.
In a statement released on social media, the governing body said, “The Ethiopian Athletics Federation expresses its deep sorrow over the sudden death of the heroic athlete and offers its condolences to his family, friends and fans.”
Yebrgual had an exciting journey. Driven and talented, he established himself as one of Ethiopia’s most respected long-distance runners, winning marathons in Houston, Shanghai, and Paraguay. In 2015, he finished second in the Boston Marathon, one of the most famous marathon events in the world. He achieved his highest placing in the Dubai Marathon, finishing third in 2:19:36 in 2018.
Fans are mourning his death
One wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “May her soul rest in peace.” Another said, “It’s really sad.” “RIP and condolences to his family,” wrote user X, while another fan added, “This is sooooooo sad!!”
One wrote, “Such an untimely tragedy for such a talented athlete, especially young and still training for competition.” Another commented, “So sad… RIP.”
