Rachel Apa dies after medical emergency during New York City Marathon

Rachel Apa, 24, died on the evening of November 1 following a medical emergency during the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. New York Road Runners, the organization managing the race, confirmed her death after she was transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center. Her father, Steve Apa, stated that she died around 9:40 p.m. local time.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time in Central Park. Apa collapsed near the 24-mile marker, leaving her roughly two miles from the 26.2-mile finish line. This was her first marathon, a challenge she had prepared for over several months.

According to New York Road Runners, a spectator who witnessed the collapse began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation before medical staff arrived. Race medical teams continued resuscitation efforts and used an automated external defibrillator. Emergency services then transported Apa to the hospital, where doctors continued attempts to save her life.

Steve Apa told U.S. media that physicians informed the family her daughter suffered from rhabdomyolysis. This rare condition involves the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can release harmful substances into the bloodstream. The Cleveland Clinic notes that symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness, and changes in urine color, often following extreme physical exertion.

The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has opened an investigation to determine the official cause of death. No final determination has been issued. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that rhabdomyolysis can affect physically active individuals and may present similarly to other exercise-related issues.

Apa was a 2024 graduate of Bucknell University with a degree in Markets, Innovation and Design. She played on the university’s women’s field hockey team for four seasons. The institution released a statement expressing its sorrow and offering condolences to her family and friends.

"The Bucknell community mourns her loss and extends its deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her," the university said in a statement.

Her participation in the marathon had a personal purpose. Apa ran as part of the Parkinson’s Champions team, an initiative linked to the Parkinson’s Foundation. She sought to raise funds and awareness for the disease after her grandfather passed away in 2022 following a battle with Parkinson's.

On her fundraising page, Apa described her grandfather as a key influence who encouraged her to stay active and push her limits. Her initial fundraising goal was $4,000. Following reports of her death, contributions exceeded that amount, according to U.S. media reports.