Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old Pennsylvania runner taking part in her first marathon, died on Sunday, November 1, after collapsing near the 24-mile mark of the New York City Marathon.

Apa was running in support of the Parkinson’s Foundation, honoring her grandfather, who died from the disease in 2022. Her father, Steve Apa, said she was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition involving the breakdown of muscle tissue.

A former Bucknell University athlete, Apa had dedicated her fundraising effort to the grandfather who helped inspire her enthusiasm for sports and physical activity. In her appeal for donations, she described how he shaped her willingness to take on challenges.

During the race, her father followed her progress remotely from Pennsylvania. According to the account supplied by her family, she sent short messages indicating pain around miles 18 and 19. He later sent encouragement as she approached mile 23, but received no reply.

Apa collapsed in Central Park with approximately two miles remaining. Police confirmed that a 24-year-old woman suffered a medical episode near mile 24 and was transported to hospital in critical condition. She died later that day. Race organizer New York Road Runners expressed sorrow over her death and offered condolences to her family, friends and the running community.

Her family has attributed her death to rhabdomyolysis. That account should be distinguished from an independently released medical finding.

Understanding Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream. These substances can injure the kidneys and cause other dangerous complications, including abnormal heart rhythms. Physical exertion, heat exposure, and other forms of muscle damage can contribute to the condition. It can affect highly trained athletes as well as less active people.

Warning signs include muscle pain that is more severe than expected, marked weakness, and dark, tea- or cola-colored urine. Symptoms can appear hours or days after the muscle injury, and they can resemble those of other conditions.

The CDC advises anyone experiencing possible symptoms to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms alone cannot confirm rhabdomyolysis; blood testing is needed to establish the diagnosis.