Young NYC Marathon Runner Rachel Apa Dies After Collapsing Near Finish Line

A 24-year-old Pennsylvania woman has died after collapsing during the New York City Marathon, just over two miles from the finish line. Rachel Apa was running her first marathon to raise money for Parkinson’s disease research in memory of her late grandfather.

A tragic incident has shocked the running community after a young woman participating in the New York City Marathon collapsed near the end of the race and later died in hospital.

Rachel Apa, 24, from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, collapsed in Central Park on Sunday, November 1, 2026, as she approached the 24-mile mark of the 26.2-mile marathon. Despite emergency efforts by spectators, medical personnel and paramedics, she could not be saved.

The incident occurred during the final stages of one of the world’s most celebrated long-distance running events, which attracts tens of thousands of participants from across the globe.

A Marathon Run in Memory of Her Grandfather

Apa was participating in her first New York City Marathon as part of the Parkinson’s Champions fundraising team.

She had chosen to run in honour of her grandfather, who died in 2022 after living with Parkinson’s disease. Through her participation, she hoped to raise money and awareness for people affected by the condition.

In her fundraising message, Apa explained that her grandfather had been one of her greatest role models. He encouraged her to remain active, embrace challenges and push beyond her limits.

Watching his health deteriorate after his Parkinson’s diagnosis deeply affected her. She wanted to honour his memory by supporting efforts to improve care and find better treatments for the disease.

Her fundraising target was $4,000, but donations reportedly surged following news of her death, exceeding the original goal.

Family Followed Her Progress During the Race

Apa’s family and friends had travelled to New York to support her during the marathon.

Her mother, Michelle Apa, watched her daughter run through parts of the course, while her father, Steve Apa, followed her progress from Pennsylvania using the marathon’s tracking application.

The family had been exchanging messages throughout the race.

Earlier in the marathon, Rachel reportedly told her father that she felt amazing and had never felt so good. However, as she continued running, her messages began expressing discomfort.

Around mile 18, she reportedly texted her father, “Ow.” A mile later, she sent another message saying, “Ow, ow.”

Her father encouraged her to slow down and focus on finishing rather than achieving a particular time.

At approximately mile 24, her location on the tracking application stopped moving. Concerned, her father contacted her mother, who was waiting farther along the course.

When Michelle reached the area, she learned that her daughter had already been taken to hospital.

Spectators and Medical Teams Tried to Save Her

According to race organisers, a spectator began administering CPR after Apa collapsed.

Medical personnel from the event arrived and continued emergency treatment, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator. Paramedics subsequently transported her to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.

Doctors worked to save her life, but she died later that evening.

A spectator who witnessed the collapse described trying to comfort Apa while others performed CPR. The witness, Michaela Nicholas, said she held Rachel’s hand, spoke to her and reassured her that she was not alone.

The incident has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from the running community, sporting organisations and people who followed Apa’s fundraising journey.

Possible Medical Cause Under Investigation

Apa’s father told news organisations that doctors had attributed her death to rhabdomyolysis, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition involving the breakdown of muscle tissue.

The condition can occur following extreme physical exertion. When muscle cells are damaged, substances released into the bloodstream can cause serious complications, including kidney injury.

However, reports indicate that the official cause of death had not been conclusively established as of November 3, and further medical investigation was ongoing.

Apa had been a former college field hockey player at Bucknell University and was described by her father as being in excellent health.

She had recently begun pursuing a master’s degree at Charleston Southern University while working as a product manager.

Marathon Organisers Express Condolences

New York Road Runners, the organisation responsible for staging the marathon, expressed deep sadness over Apa’s death.

The organisation extended its condolences to her family, friends and the wider running community.

The tragedy occurred during the 50th anniversary of the New York City Marathon’s five-borough format. The 2026 race attracted a record number of finishers, with more than 61,000 runners completing the course.

Apa’s death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the physical demands of endurance sports and the importance of taking medical warning signs seriously.

For her family, friends and everyone who knew her, Rachel Apa will be remembered not only as a talented athlete but also as a young woman who pursued a meaningful challenge in honour of someone she loved.

Her final marathon may have ended before the finish line, but the cause she ran for and the lives she touched will remain part of her legacy.