NYC Marathon Runner Dies After Collapse Near Finish Line

WHO:

NY Post - Rachel Apa was a New York City Marathon runner who died after collapsing during the race.

Daily Mail Sports - Apa was 24 years old and a former college field hockey player.

Daily Mail Sports - The New York Road Runners confirmed that the runner died.

NY Post - Apa sent texts to her father during the race.

Boston.com News - Apa’s father said the cause of her death was rhabdomyolysis.

WHAT:

NY Post - Apa collapsed and died while running the New York City Marathon.

Daily Mail Sports - The New York Road Runners confirmed Apa collapsed and died along the marathon’s final stretch.

NY Post - Apa sent a string of texts to her father during the race; the article described them as “heartbreaking.”

Boston.com News - Apa’s collapse was attributed to rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle condition.

WHERE:

NY Post - Apa collapsed in Central Park, two miles from the finish line.

Daily Mail Sports - Apa collapsed along the final stretch of the New York City Marathon.

Boston.com News - Apa collapsed in Central Park.

WHY:

Boston.com News - Apa’s father said rhabdomyolysis caused her death; the article says the rare muscle condition can be brought on by exertion.

(UPDATED November 3, 2026 15:00 UTC)

Runner Rachel Apa, 24, collapsed and died during the New York City Marathon’s final stretch. She collapsed in Central Park, about two miles from the finish, and had texted her father during the race. Her father said rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle condition brought on by exertion, caused her death.