First-Time Marathon Runner, 24, Dies Two Miles From Finish Line
Rachel Apa, 24, died Sunday after collapsing in Central Park just two miles from the finish of the New York City Marathon, her father told the New York Times and New York Post . Doctors cited rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle breakdown condition, as the cause.
Rachel Apa, 24, died Sunday after collapsing in Central Park just two miles from the finish of the New York City Marathon, her father told the New York Times and New York Post. Doctors cited rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle breakdown condition, as the cause.
Key numbers
What happened
Rachel Apa, 24, collapsed in Central Park during the final stages of the 2026 New York City Marathon after texting her father “Ow” at mile 18 and “Ow, Ow” at mile 19. She was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Medical Center at 9:40 p.m. Sunday after suffering rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition where muscles break down from extreme exertion.
Who is affected
Rachel Apa’s family—including her parents, Steve and Michelle, and her fiancee—are grieving, while the broader running community mourns the loss of a first-time marathoner who was fundraising for Parkinson’s research in memory of her late grandfather.
The 2026 NYC Marathon set a world record for the largest marathon ever, with 61,146 finishers. Meanwhile, about 26,000 Americans develop rhabdomyolysis annually, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
What to do next
The New York Road Runners have issued a statement expressing condolences to Apa’s family and the running community, while medical experts advise runners to recognize early signs of muscle breakdown, such as severe pain or weakness, and seek help immediately.
What we know and don’t know
We know Apa’s death was caused by rhabdomyolysis, confirmed by her father and medical records. However, we don’t know if her training regimen or pre-race hydration contributed to the condition, as those details have not been disclosed publicly.
Timeline
- Mile 14: Apa’s mother films her smiling and texting her father.
- Mile 18: Apa texts her father, “Ow.”
- Mile 19: Apa texts her father, “Ow, Ow.”
- Mile 23: Apa texts her father, “Final stretch.”
- Mile 24: Apa collapses in Central Park; bystanders perform CPR.
- 2:00 p.m. EST: Apa is rushed to Mount Sinai Medical Center.
- 9:40 p.m. EST: Apa is pronounced dead.
Why it matters
Apa’s death underscores the risks of extreme endurance events, even for healthy individuals. The NYC Marathon’s organizers have noted it is the first participant death since 2024, raising questions about race safety protocols and the importance of monitoring runners for signs of muscle-related emergencies.
Frequently asked questions
Was this the first death at the NYC Marathon this year?
Yes. The New York Road Runners confirmed this is the first participant death at the marathon since 2024.
What was Rachel Apa’s background?
Apa was a former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University, a product manager, and a graduate student pursuing an MBA at Charleston Southern University. She was running her first marathon to honor her late grandfather, who died of Parkinson’s in 2022.
How did bystanders respond to Apa’s collapse?
A hospital social worker and two doctors from the crowd performed CPR on Apa before race medical staff arrived with a defibrillator.
What is rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis is a rare condition where skeletal muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing harmful substances into the bloodstream. It can be triggered by extreme physical exertion and requires immediate medical attention.
How many runners participated in the 2026 NYC Marathon?
The 2026 NYC Marathon set a world record with 61,146 finishers, the third consecutive year the race broke that mark.
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