By Adegboyega Adeleye
A 24-year-old first-time New York City Marathon runner, Rachel Apa, has died after collapsing just two miles from the finish line during the race in Central Park, with her father revealing that she suffered from a rare condition known as rhabdomyolysis.
Apa collapsed at about 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, while competing in the 26.2-mile race. She was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she died at 9:40 p.m., according to her father, Steve Apa.
Her father told The New York Times that she died from rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes damaged muscle tissue to break down and release substances into the bloodstream, potentially damaging vital organs, including the kidneys.
He expressed shock over her death, describing his daughter as being in excellent health and physical condition before the race.
“It’s unfathomable,” he said, adding that she was in “perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old.”
Apa, a graduate of Bucknell University and former college field hockey player, had spent months preparing for her first marathon.
During her collapse, a hospital social worker, Michaela Nicholas, reportedly rushed to help but could not find a pulse. Two doctors watching the race also took turns performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before medical personnel arrived with a defibrillator.
Apa was running as part of the Parkinson’s Foundation Champions programme to raise awareness and funds in memory of her grandfather, who died from Parkinson’s disease in 2022.
On her fundraising page, she described him as her childhood role model, saying he taught her to stay active, push her limits and embrace challenges.
She also explained that watching the disease gradually take away his ability to move had made the cause particularly meaningful to her.
New York Road Runners, the organisation responsible for the marathon, expressed sadness over her death and extended its condolences to her family, friends and the running community.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday’s race. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner’s family, friends, and the entire running community,” the organisation said.
Rhabdomyolysis, sometimes called rhabdo, occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins and other substances into the bloodstream. Severe cases can cause kidney damage, kidney failure and other life-threatening complications. Although it can affect anyone, intense physical exertion can trigger the condition.
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