A tragic incident unfolded at the New York City Marathon on Sunday when a 24-year-old runner collapsed and died just two miles from the finish line. Rachel Apa, from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was in "perfect health, perfect shape," according to her father, Steve Apa, who spoke to the New York Times.
Apa was participating in her first marathon, running with the Parkinson's Foundation Champions to raise funds and honor her grandfather, who had Parkinson's disease. She had trained for months and was an experienced athlete, having played field hockey at Bucknell University, where she graduated with a business degree in 2024.
Near mile marker 24 in Central Park, Apa collapsed. A bystander performed CPR before race medical staff arrived, according to New York Road Runners, the race organizer. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition and died later that night. The city medical examiner's office is still investigating the cause of death, but her father said she died from rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition in which muscle breakdown releases harmful substances into the bloodstream, often triggered by extreme exertion.
In the hours before the collapse, Apa had texted her father updates. Around mile 18, she sent "Ow," followed by "Ow ow" a mile later, and then "final stretch" at mile 23, according to the Times. The messages suggest she was in discomfort, but the full circumstances remain unclear.
New York Road Runners expressed deep sadness over the passing. "We are deeply saddened by Rachel's passing following running in Sunday's race. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with her family, friends, and the entire running community," the organization said in a statement.
Apa's fundraising page revealed her motivation for running. "My grandfather was my role model growing up," she wrote. "He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement." She described how Parkinson's disease slowly robbed him of his ability to move freely, but the lessons he imparted continued to drive her forward.
This year's New York City Marathon saw over 61,000 participants, setting a world record for the largest marathon for the third consecutive year. The event is a celebration of endurance and community, but Apa's death serves as a somber reminder of the risks inherent in extreme physical exertion.
As the running community mourns, questions about safety and medical response at large-scale events may arise. However, for now, the focus is on honoring Apa's memory and the cause she championed. Her family and friends are left to grieve a young woman who embraced life and challenges, just as her grandfather taught her.
