Young Runner Collapses Two Miles Before New York City Marathon Finish Line, Leaving Family Desperately Waiting for News
Just two miles from the finish line of the New York City Marathon, a 24-year-old runner suddenly collapsed as thousands of participants continued toward Central Park. Moments earlier, she had been pursuing a dream that meant far more than completing a 26.2-mile race.
Her family had followed her progress throughout the November 1, 2026, event, exchanging encouraging messages and waiting to celebrate her achievement. Earlier that morning, she had told her father she felt amazing. But as the miles passed, her messages became shorter, suggesting that something was wrong.
Around 1:33 p.m., her location stopped updating, and strangers nearby rushed to help.
The runner was identified as Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, and a former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University. She was running her first New York City Marathon to raise money for the Parkinson’s Foundation in memory of her grandfather, who had died from the disease in 2022.
Her Final Messages to Her Father
Rachel’s father, Steve Apa, had been following her progress from home through the marathon tracking app. Earlier in the race, Rachel sent him an encouraging message saying she felt amazing and had never felt better.
He reminded her not to push herself too hard because it was her first marathon.
As she approached the later miles, however, her messages began to change. Around mile 18, she sent him a message saying, “Ugh.” A little later, she texted, “Ow, ow.”
Her father continued encouraging her, reminding her to take it easy and focus on finishing rather than speed.
At mile 23, he sent another message: “All finish, not speed.”
But when Rachel reached approximately mile 24, her location stopped moving. His messages went unanswered, and his growing concern turned into a parent’s worst fear.
Strangers Rushed to Help
Rachel collapsed in Central Park, just over two miles from the finish line. Spectator Michaela Nicholas and her fiancé witnessed what happened and immediately called for help.
Nicholas rushed to Rachel’s side. People nearby, including two individuals who said they were doctors, began performing CPR. Nicholas later recalled holding Rachel’s hand and telling her that she was loved and not alone.
Race medical personnel arrived and attempted to revive her using a defibrillator. Paramedics then transported her to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.
Her mother, Michelle, had been waiting farther along the course, hoping to see her daughter complete the race. When she learned Rachel had collapsed, she rushed toward the location, only to discover that an ambulance had already taken her away.
A Heartbreaking Outcome
Doctors continued trying to save Rachel, but she died later that evening, at approximately 9:40 p.m.
Her father later said doctors had identified rhabdomyolysis as the likely cause. This is a potentially life-threatening condition in which damaged muscle tissue releases substances into the bloodstream. Severe cases can lead to dangerous complications affecting the kidneys and heart.
Rachel’s family described her as healthy and athletic, making the sudden tragedy even more difficult to understand.
A Marathon Run in Memory of Someone She Loved
Rachel had not entered the marathon simply to achieve a personal athletic milestone. She wanted to honor her grandfather and support the fight against Parkinson’s disease.
Her fundraising efforts quickly attracted additional attention after news of her death spread. Donations surpassed her original $4,000 goal as people learned about the purpose behind her run.
Bucknell University, the Parkinson’s Foundation, and the New York Road Runners community expressed their condolences to her family and loved ones.
For her father, the final text messages remain an especially painful reminder of how quickly an ordinary day can change. He had been encouraging his daughter mile after mile, believing he would soon hear that she had crossed the finish line.
Instead, his family received news no parent should ever have to face.
Rachel never reached the finish line, but her reason for running continues to inspire others.
She ran to honor someone she loved, hoping to help families affected by Parkinson’s disease. Her life ended just short of the finish, but the compassion behind her final race has reached far beyond those 26.2 miles.
