A 24-Year-Old Runner Died After a Medical Emergency in the Final Miles of the NYC Marathon

Rachel Apa was nearing the end of her first New York City Marathon when she collapsed in Central Park on Sunday, November 1. The 24-year-old had spent months putting in the work needed to conquer 26.2 miles, but never made it across the finish line. Instead, she was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she died later that night.Apa, a Bucknell University alum who lived in central Pennsylvania, came to New York to run with Parkinson's Foundation Champions, raising money in memory of her grandfather, who died from the disease in 2022.According to reporting from The New York Times, the medical emergency happened around 1:30 p.m. close to Mile 24, around 85th Street, right as runners enter the final stretch through Central Park. Several spectators rushed to help and began performing CPR. New York Road Runners medical staff arrived shortly after, and tried to resuscitate her with a defibrillator before paramedics took her to the hospital.Her parents had been keeping up with Rachel throughout the race as she made her way through the five boroughs, though from different locations. Michelle Apa, her mother, was in New York and watched Rachel run through Queens at Mile 14, while Steve Apa, her father, was back home in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, following her progress through the marathon's tracking app.Steve had been texting his daughter throughout the day. According to messages he shared with the Times, Rachel sent an "Ow" text at Mile 18, followed by a double "Ow ow" at Mile 19. She kept moving through the course, although her dad received no replies after that. As she reached Mile 23 on the app, Steve sent another message: "Final stretch." Rachel never responded.Michelle eventually made her way to Central Park, reportedly arriving just as the ambulance carrying her daughter was leaving, per the Times. Doctors spent hours trying to save Rachel. Steve told the newspaper she was pronounced dead around 9:40 p.m."It's unfathomable," he told the newspaper. "Perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old."Steve told the Times that his daughter died from rhabdomyolysis, which occurs when damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases substances into the bloodstream. The condition can cause serious kidney damage and, according to the Cleveland Clinic, can be triggered by extreme physical exertion.An official cause of death had not been established as of Tuesday, November 3, with CBS New York reporting that the city's medical examiner was still investigating.Sunday marked the marathon's first runner death following a medical incident since 2024, according to NYRR. The organization released a statement Monday:"We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday's race. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner's family, friends, and the entire running community."Before the marathon, Apa explained her decision to run on her fundraising page, sharing how much her grandfather influenced her love of sports and why supporting the Parkinson's Foundation mattered to her."He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement," she wrote.Apa explained that watching him lose his mobility after his Parkinson's diagnosis had made her want to help others facing the disease. She wanted to use her first marathon to help others affected by it, raising money and awareness in the process “for research, better care, and a cure.”As of noon Tuesday, the page has exceeded her $4,000 goal, and reflects more than $12,500 in donations.Sean Abrams was the Senior Editor, Growth and Engagement at Men’s Health. He’s a former hip hop dancer who likes long walks on the beach and large glasses of tequila. You can find his previous work at Maxim, Elite Daily, and AskMen.