24-Year-Old First-Time Marathoner Dies of Rhabdomyolysis in NYC

Key points

• Rachel Apa, 24, collapsed at mile 24 of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026, and later died at Mount Sinai Hospital.
• Her father, Steve Apa, told The New York Times that Rachel died of rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle cells break down and release myoglobin into the bloodstream.
• Rhabdomyolysis affects approximately 26,000 people in the US annually and can lead to kidney failure or fatal heart arrhythmias due to high potassium levels.
• A bystander performed CPR at the scene before race organizers used a defibrillator; Rachel was transported to the hospital but did not survive.
• The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet issued a final determination of cause of death, and race organizers have not officially confirmed the diagnosis.
• Rachel was a former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University and was running her first marathon to raise funds for the Parkinson's Foundation in honor of her grandfather.

Background

This incident is the first runner death at the New York City Marathon since 2024. Previous coverage noted that Rachel Apa was running to honor her late grandfather, who suffered from Parkinson's disease. Experts have long warned that extreme exertion, heat, and dehydration can trigger rhabdomyolysis, even in healthy athletes.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and ABC News focused on explaining the medical condition of rhabdomyolysis, noting that while it is rare, it can occur in healthy individuals during intense exercise. The New York Times emphasized the personal tragedy, highlighting that Rachel was a former collegiate athlete who had trained for months. While her father attributed the death to rhabdomyolysis, official medical examiners and race organizers have not yet confirmed this cause, leaving the official determination pending. All sources agree that Rachel was in good health prior to the race, making the sudden onset of the condition a significant concern for marathon safety.

Why it matters

This death underscores the life-threatening risks of rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can affect even fit athletes during extreme physical exertion. It highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms like muscle pain and dark urine, and the critical need for immediate medical intervention to prevent kidney failure or cardiac arrest.

What to watch

The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is expected to release a final cause of death determination. Race organizers may review safety protocols regarding heat and hydration, while medical experts continue to advise athletes to build tolerance slowly and avoid intense exercise when ill or dehydrated.