A 24-year-old runner who collapsed during the New York City Marathon and later died had been sending text messages to her father throughout the race, just two miles from the finish line. Rachel Apa collapsed at approximately 1.30pm while running through Central Park.
Hospital social worker Michaela Nicholas reportedly hurried to assist but was unable to detect a pulse, leading two doctors in the crowd to alternate performing CPR. Apa was then pronounced dead at a neighbouring hospital.
Health and race details
Apa, who reportedly died from rhabdomyolysis, a condition triggered by muscle breakdown, was described as being in "perfect health" before embarking on her first marathon on Sunday. She had seemingly expressed discomfort during the race before collapsing.
Her mother, Michelle Apa, filmed her as she passed Mile 14 in Queens, where she was smiling and gesturing towards the camera in a pale green running kit. Michelle then travelled to Central Park to wait close to the finish line.
Texts to her father
Meanwhile, her father, Steve, tracked Rachel's progress from their family home in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, sending messages of support via the marathon app. According to the New York Times, Rachel texted her dad at Mile 18 with the word "Ow" before sending "Ow ow" at Mile 19.
She continued running but did not respond to subsequent messages at Miles 20, 21, or 22. At Mile 23, Steve sent one final message: "Final stretch." He received no reply.
Background and fundraising
Rachel worked as a product manager at an electrical components firm and had recently started an M.B.A. program at Charleston Southern University. The 24-year-old had also previously competed in Division I field hockey at Bucknell University.
She was participating in the marathon to raise funds for Parkinson's disease research, a mission that carried personal meaning for her family following the illness's impact on her grandfather's life. "My grandfather was my role model growing up. He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement," Rachel wrote on her fundraising page.
"Later in life, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and I watched as the disease slowly took away the freedom to move that he once loved so much. He passed away in 2022, but the lessons he taught me continue to drive me forward."
The New York Road Runners confirmed the previous occasion a participant died after a medical incident during the marathon was in 2024. "We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday's race," they said in a statement on Monday. "Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner's family, friends, and the entire running community."
