Pennsylvania Runner Dies After Collapsing Near Marathon Finish

A 24-year-old runner from Pennsylvania died after collapsing during the final stages of the New York City Marathon, near the finish line in Central Park. Rachel Apa was competing in her first marathon on Sunday when she suffered a medical emergency approximately two miles from the end of the race.

Her father, Steve Apa, told The New York Times that doctors at Mount Sinai Medical Center were unable to save her. He said the cause of death was rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition involving the breakdown of muscle tissue that can be triggered by strenuous physical exercise.

Apa was running with the Parkinson’s Champions team in honor of her late grandfather, who had suffered from Parkinson’s disease. She was accompanied by the support of her parents, Steve and Michelle Apa, who watched the race in New York.

Steve Apa described his daughter as an experienced athlete who had previously played field hockey in college.

"It's unfathomable," Steve Apa said.

Her family documented parts of her race before the medical emergency. Michelle Apa filmed Rachel smiling at mile 14, but her condition appeared to deteriorate during the later stages of the marathon.

At mile 18, Rachel sent her father a text message reading "Ow". One mile later, she sent another message: "Ow, ow".

When Rachel reached mile 23, her father sent her a message saying "final stretch". She did not respond and collapsed shortly afterward in Central Park.

A member of the public performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before medical personnel from the race arrived. Medical staff subsequently used a defibrillator in an attempt to revive her before transporting her to Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Doctors continued trying to save Rachel, but she died at 9:40 p.m., according to her father. The family had been supporting her participation in the marathon, which marked her first attempt at the 26.2-mile race.

Rachel had recently enrolled in an MBA program at Charleston Southern University. She was from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, and had previously competed in college-level field hockey.

New York Road Runners, the organization responsible for organizing the marathon, confirmed the death in an official statement.

"We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday's race," New York Road Runners said. "Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner's family, friends, and the entire running community."

The organization also said the last time a participant died following a medical incident during the race was in 2024.