24-year-old dies after collapsing during her first New York City Marathon

Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old first-time participant in the New York City Marathon, tragically passed away after collapsing two miles from the finish line. The Pennsylvanian, who had played Division I field hockey at Bucknell University, was training for the race and had even begun her MBA program at Charleston Southern University. She was fundraising for the Parkinson's Foundation in memory of her grandfather, collecting over $7,600 towards her $4,000 goal.

At mile 19, Apa texted her father, "Ow ow," before collapsing at mile 24. Spectators, including two doctors, rushed to her aid, performing CPR before transporting her by ambulance to Mount Sinai Medical Center. She was pronounced dead at around 9:40 p.m. on Sunday. Her father, Steve Apa, revealed that she had suffered from rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle condition triggered by exertion that can lead to organ failure.

Despite her "perfect health" and rigorous training, her death highlights the risks associated with extreme physical activity.

Steve Apa expressed his shock, stating, "Perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old." Rachel's father also noted her dedication to her studies and charity work. The New York Road Runners, organizers of the marathon, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, offering their sympathies to Rachel's family and the running community. This unfortunate incident marks the first related to the New York City Marathon since 2024, where a 24-year-old man died while attempting to watch the race from a Brooklyn apartment window.

While cardiac arrest during long-distance running races has decreased by half since the early 2000s, rhabdomyolysis is a much rarer but fatal condition. Approximately 26,000 people in the U.S. develop rhabdo annually, with runners being at a higher risk.