Rachel Apa marathon death: Runner dies of rare muscle condition in NYC - Geo News

Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old former college athlete, died Sunday, November 1, after collapsing in Central Park with roughly two miles left in her first New York City Marathon, her family confirmed.

The cause was rhabdomyolysis, a rare and potentially life-threatening muscle condition, as described by her father, Steve Apa.

Apa was a former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University, had trained for months, and was running with the Parkinson’s Champions team to raise money in honour of her grandfather, who died of Parkinson’s disease in 2022.

Her mother, Michelle, filmed her smiling and high-fiving at Mile 14 in Queens before heading to the finish line. Her father, tracking her from the family’s Pennsylvania home, texted encouragement at every mile.

At Miles 18 and 19, Rachel replied simply “Ow” and “Ow ow.” She never responded again. Near Mile 24, bystanders and medical personnel attempted to resuscitate her. She was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Centre, where she died that evening.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which the damaged muscles release certain proteins and electrolytes, such as myoglobin, into the blood, leading to various complications including kidney failure, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and eventually death. Physical stress may lead to rhabdomyolysis, even in healthy and well-conditioned athletes. As per CDC, the symptoms of the condition include severe muscle pain, dark tea or cola colored urine, and severe weakness. Proper treatment with the administration of fluids usually cures the patients, and people are advised to slowly increase physical activity, stay hydrated, and avoid overheating.

The incident has brought focus to the issue, as five lacrosse players from Tufts University had to be hospitalized due to rhabdomyolysis caused by rigorous training in 2024. Apa was known as a passionate athlete running for a cause.