Runner, 24, dies after collapsing at the New York City Marathon

A 24-year-old runner, Rachel Apa, died after collapsing during the New York City Marathon on Sunday 1 November. It was her first marathon. The organisers, New York Road Runners (NYRR), confirmed her death.

What happened

Apa collapsed near mile 24, in Central Park. According to NYRR, a bystander began CPR before the race’s medical staff took over, continued CPR and used a defibrillator. EMS took her to Mount Sinai hospital, where efforts to save her continued, without success.

Her father, Steve Apa, told The New York Times that the cause was rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle tissue that releases its contents into the blood faster than the kidneys can clear them. The official cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Running for her grandfather

Apa had played Division I field hockey at Bucknell University. She was running with the Parkinson’s Foundation charity team to raise money in memory of her grandfather, who died of Parkinson’s disease in 2022. On her fundraising page she wrote that he taught her to “stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges”.

“We are deeply saddened by Rachel’s passing following running in Sunday’s race. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with her family, friends, and the entire running community,” NYRR said in a statement.

Everyone at Running Valencia sends our condolences to her family and friends.