A 24-year-old woman, Rachel Apa, died Sunday after collapsing during the final stages of the New York City Marathon. Her father, Steve Apa, confirmed her passing, attributing it to rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition where muscles break down, often triggered by intense physical exertion.
Rachel, a former college field hockey player described by her father as being in “perfect health, perfect shape,” was participating in her first marathon. She ran as part of the Parkinson’s Champions team, honoring her late grandfather who suffered from the disease.
Steve and Michelle Apa, Rachel’s parents, were cheering her on from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania. Michelle Apa had filmed her daughter smiling at mile 14 of the race. However, by mile 18, Rachel texted her father, simply writing “Ow.” A mile later, at mile 19, she sent another message: “Ow, ow.” Despite this, she appeared to rally, texting “final stretch” to Steve at the 23rd mile.
Tragically, Rachel collapsed shortly after this final message, just two miles from the finish line in Central Park. A member of the public immediately administered CPR, followed by race medical staff who used a defibrillator. She was then transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors made efforts to save her life, but she died at 9:40 pm.
“It’s unfathomable,” Steve Apa told the New York Times regarding his daughter’s death. Rachel had recently begun an MBA program at Charleston Southern University.
The New York Road Runners, organizers of the marathon, released a statement expressing their condolences. “We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday’s race,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner’s family, friends, and the entire running community.” The organization noted that the last time a participant died from a medical incident during the race was in 2024.
