First-time marathoner dies after collapsing two miles from finish

Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, died on Tuesday after collapsing on Sunday while running the New York City Marathon. She was approaching the 24-mile mark in Central Park, a point located just over two miles before the finish line. This was her first time competing in the 26.2-mile event. She had entered the race to raise funds for Parkinson's disease research in memory of her grandfather.

The New York Police Department confirmed the location of the collapse. According to her father, Steve Apa, doctors diagnosed her with rhabdomyolysis. This rare condition occurs when muscle tissue breaks down during physical exertion. The breakdown releases substances into the bloodstream that can poison other organs. Apa was in critical condition for several hours at Mount Sinai Medical Center before she died.

Michaela Nicholas, a hospital social worker who was watching the race, witnessed the incident. She recalled calling out an encouraging message to Apa as they passed each other. Approximately 15 yards later, Nicholas saw the runner collapse. Two other spectators immediately began performing CPR. Nicholas held Apa's hand and told her she was loved while waiting for professional help to arrive.

New York Road Runners, the nonprofit that organizes the marathon, stated in a news release that bystanders administered CPR immediately after the collapse. Event medical staff continued resuscitation efforts and used a defibrillator on the scene. Paramedics then transported Apa to the hospital. Doctors worked for several hours to save her life, but she remained in critical condition until her death on Tuesday.

Apa was a former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University. She graduated in 2024 with a degree in markets, innovation and design. During her time on the team, she scored 17 goals. Before the marathon, she worked as a product manager for an electrical component company. She had also recently begun a master's program at Charleston Southern University. Her father described her as being in perfect health prior to the race.

Steve Apa told The New York Times that the death was unfathomable to the family and friends who knew her. He emphasized that she was an active and passionate individual. The race marked the 50th anniversary of the marathon's five-borough format. A record number of 61,000 runners reached the finish line on Sunday, a milestone that was overshadowed by Apa's passing.

News of her death spread quickly on Tuesday, prompting an outpouring of support from the public. Donations to her fundraising page for the Parkinson's Foundation quickly exceeded her original goal of $4,000. On the page, Apa wrote that her grandfather, who died in 2022, taught her to stay active and push her limits. Bucknell University and USA Field Hockey both issued statements of condolence.

USA Field Hockey noted that Apa's impact on the sport and those around her would not be forgotten. The organization honored her memory in the face of the tragic loss. New York Road Runners expressed their deep sadness in a statement, extending their sincere sympathies to Apa's family and friends. The organization also extended its sympathies to the broader running community.