Rachel Apa’s family creates foundation for rhabdomyolysis awareness

The family of Rachel Apa, the 24-year-old runner who died after collapsing at the New York City Marathon on 1 November, has created a foundation to raise awareness of rhabdomyolysis, according to CBS News.

Her father, Steve Apa, attributed her death to the muscle condition. Days later, the New York medical examiner’s office said it was still investigating the circumstances and had not made a definitive determination on the cause.

Collapse during the New York City Marathon

Apa, from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was running her first marathon when she collapsed near Central Park. Spectators began cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the race medical team continued treatment using a defibrillator.

An ambulance took her to Mount Sinai hospital, where she died hours later. Her family had been tracking her on the race app and noticed that her position had stopped moving. Her mother, Michelle Apa, went to look for her.

What is rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which muscle fibres are damaged and break down, releasing substances into the bloodstream that can affect the kidneys.

Intense, prolonged exercise can trigger rhabdomyolysis, although not all cases are related to sporting activity.

A first marathon in memory of her grandfather

Rachel was running to raise funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation in memory of her paternal grandfather, who died from the disease in 2022. She had been a member of the Bucknell University field hockey team and had begun postgraduate studies in business administration.

New York Road Runners, the race organiser, extended its condolences to the family, friends and running community: “We are deeply saddened by Rachel’s death following her participation in Sunday’s race. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with her family, friends and the entire running community.”