A marathon star has died aged 30, just four months after one of her greatest victories. 

Shewarge Alene, an Ethiopian runner, collapsed during a training session and was taken to hospital near the nation's capital Addis Ababa where she tragically passed away. 

Back in May, Alene crossed the line at the Stockholm Marathon in first place, beaming with her arms out-stretched in celebration. 

The event's Instagram page shared the news of her death on Thursday. 

In a statement, they wrote: 'It is with deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of Shewarge Alene, winner of the adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025.

'Shewarge Alene felt unwell during a training session and was taken to the hospital, where unfortunately her life could not be saved. She was 30 years old. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.'

Alene was one of the most decorated stars of the marathon world, winning 12 of the 27 races she entered as a professional. 

Her training team-mates described her as a 'determined athlete' and 'generous friend' who always encouraged others, according to press in her homeland. 

One coach said the running community had 'not only lost a great athlete, but also a role model for young girls in the country'. 

Alene's positive Instagram bio, read: 'God is never early . God never late. God is always right on time!! Amen love sport.' 

The long-distance star was hitting the form of her life, with an all-time best of 2:29.34 in January at the Tata Mumbai Marathon. 

The Adidas-sponsored athlete followed that up with her impressive victory in Stockholm (2:30.38) at the end of May this year. 

She was pictured with her medal and a wreath wrapped around her neck on the track in the moments after her win. 

One of Alene's most startling achievements came back in 2010 when she reportedly asked to borrow a pair of shoes before breaking the road record at the Mount Washington Road Race, running a time of 1:08:21. 

Alene left east Africa to pursue her racing career seriously and lived in both New York and Mexico at various times but she was most recently back training in Ethiopia, where she died.

Other major victories in her career included marathon races in Turkey in 2023 and Chile and Spain in 2014.  

News of her death will send shockwaves through the sport and little is known about the exact cause of death at this time.