Ethiopian had PB of 2:27:26 but passed away in hospital after feeling unwell in training.

Shewarge Alene, the Ethiopian winner of the Stockholm Marathon in May, took ill during a training session recently and was rushed to hospital in Addis Ababa where she died soon after. She was just 30 years old.

The Stockholm Marathon said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that we have received the news of the passing of Shewarge Alene, winner of adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025.

“Shewarge Alene became unwell during a training session and was taken to hospital, where sadly, her life could not be saved. Shewarge Alene was 30 years old. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”

Alene had a half-marathon best of 67:43 and her marathon best of 2:27:26 was set in the Cape Town Marathon two years ago.

In Stockholm four months ago she won in a time of 2:30:38.

Kenyan steeplechaser dies

Jairus Birech, the 2014 African 3000m steeplechase champion from Kenya, has died aged 32.

Birech led the world rankings that same year with 7:58.41 set at the Diamond League in Brussels and that time still sits No.12 on the world all-time rankings.

He also won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow that year behind Jonathan Ndiku of Kenya.

In 2015 he finished fourth in the World Championships and once again topped the world lists that year with 7:58.83.