Rachel Apa, 24, Dies After Collapsing During NYC Marathon

Rachel Apa NYC Marathon

A 24-year-old Pennsylvania woman has died after collapsing near the finish line of the 2026 New York City Marathon, turning what was supposed to be a milestone athletic achievement into a devastating tragedy.

Rachel Apa was running her first New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1, when she suffered a medical emergency in Central Park, approximately two miles from the finish line. Despite emergency efforts by spectators, race medical personnel and hospital staff, she died later that evening. Apa was participating in the marathon to honor her late grandfather and raise money for Parkinson’s disease research.

What Happened to Rachel Apa During the NYC Marathon?

Apa collapsed near the 24-mile mark of the 26.2-mile race at approximately 1:30 p.m. Sunday while running through Central Park. Spectators rushed to help after she fell, and bystanders began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Medical personnel from New York Road Runners subsequently took over emergency treatment and used an automated external defibrillator.

Emergency medical services transported Apa by ambulance to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors continued lifesaving efforts. She was pronounced dead at approximately 9:40 p.m., according to information shared by her father. New York Road Runners confirmed her death on Tuesday, November 3.

“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.

Who Was Rachel Apa?

Apa was from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, and was a former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University. She graduated in 2024 and had recently started pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at Charleston Southern University.

Her family described her as an active and dedicated athlete who had spent months preparing for the marathon. The race held special meaning for Apa because her grandfather, who died from Parkinson’s disease in 2022, had inspired her love of sports and physical activity.

In her fundraising message, Apa explained why she wanted to participate. “My grandfather was my role model growing up. He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement.” She joined the Parkinson’s Champions team to raise money for Parkinson’s research and support people affected by the disease.

Messages to Her Father Raised Concerns During the Race

As Apa made her way through the marathon, her parents followed her progress from different locations. Her mother, Michelle Apa, watched her daughter run through the course and captured video of her around mile 14. Her father, Steve Apa, followed her progress using the marathon’s tracking application and exchanged text messages with her throughout the race.

According to accounts shared by her father, Apa sent him a message saying “Ow” around mile 18. Approximately one mile later, she sent another message saying “Ow ow.” Her father continued following her progress and sent an encouraging message around mile 23, telling her she was approaching the final stretch. He did not receive another response. Shortly afterward, Apa collapsed near mile 24 in Central Park.

What Is Rhabdomyolysis?

Apa’s father told reporters that his daughter died from rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening medical condition involving the breakdown of damaged muscle tissue. The condition occurs when damaged muscles release proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream. These substances can cause serious complications, including kidney damage, kidney failure and dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities.

Rhabdomyolysis can develop following intense physical exertion, traumatic injuries and heat exposure. Although it is sometimes associated with extreme exercise, it can affect people who are otherwise physically fit, including experienced athletes. Symptoms can include severe muscle pain, muscle cramps, unusual weakness, fatigue and dark-colored urine. Medical testing is necessary to confirm the condition.

Importantly, rhabdomyolysis had not been established as the official cause of Apa’s death as of November 3, 2026. The medical examiner’s investigation was ongoing, and the initial autopsy had not established a definitive cause.

NYC Marathon Organizers Respond to Runner’s Death

The New York City Marathon is organized by New York Road Runners, which confirmed Apa’s death and expressed condolences to her loved ones. The organization said its thoughts were with her family, friends and the broader running community following the tragedy.

Her death also renewed attention to the medical risks associated with endurance events, where runners push their bodies through 26.2 miles of sustained physical activity. Despite medical teams, emergency personnel and volunteers stationed throughout the course, serious medical emergencies can occur during major athletic events.

A Marathon Run in Her Grandfather’s Memory

For Apa, the New York City Marathon was about more than completing a major athletic challenge. She wanted to honor someone who had played an important role in her life while raising money for a cause that mattered deeply to her family.

She had trained for months, traveled to New York and joined thousands of other participants attempting to complete one of the world’s most recognizable marathons. Instead of crossing the finish line, Apa’s first marathon ended in tragedy. She was 24 years old.