24-Year-Old First-Time Runner Dies Two Miles Before Finish Line

Rachel Apa died at 9:40 p.m. on Sunday after collapsing in Central Park approximately two miles before the finish line of the New York City Marathon. Her father, Steve Apa, confirmed the cause of death as rhabdomyolysis, a condition characterized by the breakdown and disintegration of muscle tissue.

Apa, 24, was completing her first marathon as part of the Parkinson’s Champions team. She ran in honor of her grandfather, who died from the disease in 2022. The former Bucknell University field hockey player had trained for months with her father, who described her health status as perfect in the days leading up to the race.

While running, Apa communicated with her father via text message. She sent a single word, "Ow," at the 18th mile mark. When her father rallied her at the 19th mile, she replied, "Ow, Ow." She did not text him again after that point. Her father sent a message reading "Final stretch" when she reached the 23rd mile, but the message went unanswered.

Her mother, Michelle Apa, monitored the race using a tracking app. After noticing her daughter stopped moving, Michelle rushed to Central Park. At the scene, Michaela Nicholas, a hospital social worker and spectator, ran over with her fiancé to perform CPR on the runner. Paramedics transported Apa to Mount Sinai hospital.

The race concluded with 61,146 participants finishing the course. New York Road Runners announced that this total set a world record for the largest marathon, marking the third consecutive year the event held that distinction. Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya won the women's division with a time of 2:24:36. It was her second victory in the New York race, having also won in 2024.

Rhabdomyolysis affects approximately 26,000 people in the United States annually, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The previous fatal incident at the New York City Marathon occurred in 2024.