Tragic Marathon Mystery: Young Runner Collapses Near Finish Line—What Happened Behind the Scenes?
Just two miles from the finish line of the New York Marathon, Rachel Apa collapsed in Central Park, turning what should’ve been a triumphant moment into a heartbreaking tragedy. At just 24 years old and in peak shape, this Pennsylvania woman was chasing a dream—and raising money to fight Parkinson’s disease in honor of her grandfather. But then came rhabdomyolysis, a rare and ruthless condition where muscles literally break down, bringing a sudden and fatal end to her run. Makes you wonder: how can the body, so capable of epic endurance feats, betray you when you’re so close to the finish? Rachel’s story is a stark reminder that even the strongest among us aren’t invincible. LEARN MORE
A woman running the New York Marathon was just two miles from the finish line when she collapsed in Central Park.
Rachel Apa, from Pennsylvania, was taken to The Mount Sinai Hospital and was pronounced dead six hours later on Sunday evening.
Her father, Steve Apa, said she died of rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle injury where your muscles break down, according to Cleveland Clinic.
“It’s unfathomable,” he told the New York Times. “Perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old.”
Rachel was a product manager for an electrical component company who had just started an MBA program at Charleston Southern University.
During the race, Apa was tracking her on the marathon app from their Lewisberry home, texting her encouragement at every mile.
At Mile 18, Rachel texted back: “Ow.” At 19, she wrote: “Ow ow.”
Rachel Apa collapsed two miles from the finish line (Rachel Apa)
Rachel did not write back at Miles 20, 21 and 22, because she kept running.
“Final stretch,” Apa texted at Mile 23, but never heard back.
On LinkedIn, Rachel said was running the New York Marathon to raise money to fight Parkinson’s disease, which had killed her grandfather.
“This November 1st, I’ll be running the NYC Marathon as a charity runner with the Parkinson’s Foundation. I’ll be raising money that goes toward critical research, better care, and hopefully one day, a cure,” she wrote.
A number of runners have died during the New York Marathon (LADbible/NBC/Instagram)
“Choosing a foundation that means something to me was important. My grandfather was one of my role models growing up.
“He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges. After he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, I watched as it slowly took away the freedom to move that he once loved.”
On her Parkinson’s Champions fundraiser, nearly $11,000 has been raised from a $4,000 target.
The New York Road Runners said in a statement: “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.”
A total of 61,529 runners started the race and 61,146 runners crossed the finish line (Paul Seibert/Back Left Media/New York Road Runners via Getty Images)
What is rhabdomyolysis?
Cleveland Clinic notes that rhabdomyolysis ‘is a condition that causes your muscles to break down, which leads to muscle death’.
“When this happens, toxic components of your muscle fibers enter your circulation system and kidneys. This can cause kidney damage,” the Ohio-based medical center adds.
“This dangerous muscle condition can result from overexertion, trauma, medications or an underlying health condition. Common signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis are weak muscles, muscle stiffness, muscle pain and a change in your pee colour.
“Rhabdomyolysis is relatively uncommon. Every year, about 26,000 people in the United States develop this condition.”
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