An NYC Marathon runner died suddenly at 24. Her family says the cause was rhabdomyolysis, a rare risk that can even affect fit athletes.
A woman died after collapsing near the finish line of the NYC Marathon. Here's what to know about rhabdomyolysis and the symptoms to look out for.
A 24-year-old New York City Marathon runner, Rachel Apa, collapsed near mile 24 of the race and passed away from rhabdomyolysis, a rare side effect of intense exercise. Apa, a former Division 1 field hockey athlete, had been training extensively for the marathon to support the Parkinson's Foundation in memory of her grandfather.
Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases harmful substances into the bloodstream, potentially overwhelming the kidneys and causing acute kidney failure. This condition can affect even experienced athletes and is often caused by high-intensity exercise or long endurance sessions without rest, particularly in hot environments or when dehydrated.
Symptoms include fatigue, muscle cramps, and dark-colored urine, which may appear hours or days post-exercise. Rhabdomyolysis can be diagnosed through blood tests and treated with intravenous fluids to eliminate the toxic byproducts. Prevention involves avoiding excessive exertion, taking regular breaks, and staying well-hydrated, especially in warm weather.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
