Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old runner, died after collapsing during her first marathon, just two miles from the finish line of the New York Marathon in Central Park on Sunday. Despite being described as having been in perfect health going into the race, she died as a result of rhabdomyolysis, a potentially fatal condition caused by the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue, which releases harmful substances into the bloodstream. It can be triggered by extreme exercise, injuries, or overheating, and can lead to severe kidney damage, organ failure, and death.
A Tragic Final Message
Moments before her death, Apa had messaged her father, Steve, the word "ow," indicating she was suffering during the run. He told the New York Times they both interpreted this as part and parcel of the notoriously difficult race. He responded that she was in the "final stretch." Apa collapsed several miles later.
Members of the public rushed to help her, including two people who identified themselves as doctors and performed CPR. Hospital social worker Michaela Nicholas was among the first to reach her and reportedly held her hand, reassuring her she was not alone as they waited for medical assistance.
Medical Response and Confirmation
Race medical staff subsequently arrived and used a defibrillator before emergency responders took Apa to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at around 9.40pm on Sunday. Her father told the New York Times: "It's unfathomable. Perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old."
Apa, from Pennsylvania, had spent months preparing for her first marathon and was an accomplished athlete, having previously played Division I field hockey at Bucknell University. She was running as part of the Parkinson's Champions team, raising money for the Parkinson's Foundation in memory of her grandfather, who died from the disease in 2022.
A Cause Close to Her Heart
In a tribute shared before the race, Apa wrote on LinkedIn: "My grandfather was one of my role models growing up. He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges." She added: "After he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, I watched as it slowly took away the freedom to move that he once loved."
Apa had raised more than $7,600 for the charity, exceeding her original $4,000 target. Alongside her athletic achievements, she worked as a product manager at TE Connectivity and had recently begun studying for an MBA at Charleston Southern University.
The New York Road Runners (NYRR), which organises the marathon, confirmed that the last participant to die following a medical incident at the event was in 2024. In a statement, the organisation said: "We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday's race. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner's family, friends, and the entire running community."
