Updated 5d ago · Sports
24-Year-Old Marathon Runner Dies 2 Miles From NYC Finish
Rachel Apa, 24, collapsed about two miles from the New York City Marathon finish Sunday. She died that night.
- 1:30 p.m. is roughly when she collapsed near Mile 24.
- 9:40 p.m. is when doctors at Mount Sinai pronounced her dead.
- Bystanders performed CPR before race medics used a defibrillator.
- She was running her first marathon to raise Parkinson's research funds.
Why it matters: Her father, Steve Apa, said she died of rhabdomyolysis. In this rare condition, muscle breaks down and releases harmful substances into the blood.
- Her father said she was a former Bucknell field hockey player in top health.
- Organizers said the race's last runner death after a medical incident was in 2024.
How 33 sources split on this story
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33 sources · 52 articles · 49% Center coverage
Center coverage, 16 sources: The center focuses on the facts of the collapse, the emergency response and the diagnosis.
The National Desk6d24-year-old runner dies after collapsing 2 miles from NYC Marathon finish lineabc27 (WHTM)6dNYC Marathon runner dies after collapsing just before finish lineAssociated Press6dA woman running the NYC marathon for charity dies 2 miles from the finishBBC News6dYoung NYC Marathon runner collapses and dies two miles from finish lineChicago Tribune6dWoman, 24, dies running NYC Marathon for the 1st time after collapsing 3 miles from the finish lineCTV News6dA woman running the N.Y.C. marathon for charity dies 2 miles from the finishESPN6dNYC Marathon runner, 24, dies after collapsing 2 miles from finishHeavy6dNYC Marathon Runner, 24, Dies Near Finish Line as Dad Reveals Final TextsPennLive6d24-year-old from central Pa. dies after collapsing during N.Y. MarathonTMZ6dNYC Marathon Runner Dies After She Collapses Near Finish LineUSA Today6dDad texted daughter ‘go easy’ before NYC Marathon runner’s deathWESH 2 News6d24-year-old runner Rachel Apa dies after collapsing during New York City MarathonWGAL 86dPennsylvania woman dies after collapsing near New York City Marathon finish lineWKBN Youngstown6dNYC Marathon runner dies after collapsing just before finish lineWPXI Pittsburgh6dA woman running the NYC marathon for charity dies 2 miles from the finishYahoo News6dA rare condition killed a 24-year-old first-time NYC Marathon runner. Its warning signs can be easy to miss.
Left coverage, 8 sources: The left tells it as a family tragedy, tracing her final miles through her parents' eyes.
Boston.com6d24-year-old runner dies during New York City MarathonThe Guardian1w+24-year-old woman dies after collapsing in final stages of New York City MarathonThe Independent5dSigns of Rhabdo and what to look out for after NYC marathon runner diesBusiness Insider6dNYC Marathon runner's death highlights rhabdomyolysis risks, symptomsCNN6dA 24-year-old running the NYC marathon collapsed 2 miles from the finish line and diedLos Angeles Times6dRachel Apa, a 24-year-old athlete, dies after collapsing during her first New York City MarathonNBC News6dFather shares final texts from 24-year-old runner who collapsed during NYC marathonThe Boston Globe6dRunner, 24, dies during her first marathon
Right coverage, 9 sources: The right pairs the personal story with race context, including records, winners and past deaths.
New York Post5dJohn Harbaugh sends emotional message to Rachel Apa's family after tragic NYC Marathon deathDaily Mail6dNYC marathon runner was killed by a silent condition. Experts expose the deceptively subtle warning signs athletes must never ignoreJust the News1w+24-year-old woman dies while running in New York City MarathonOutKick5dNYC marathoner with 'heart for Jesus' remembered after tragic death for faith, strength and charityBizPac Review6dRunner, 24, collapses just two miles from NYC Marathon finish line — dies in Central ParkCitizen Free Press6dRare condition killed NYC marathon runner.NTD6d24-Year-Old NYC Marathon Runner Dies After Collapsing Near Finish LineThe Daily Caller6d24-Year-Old Collapses In Final Moments Of Marathon, DiesThe Washington Times6dNew York City marathoner collapses two miles from finish line, dies in hospital
What’s next: New York Road Runners said it was deeply saddened and extended sympathies to her family.
- 61,146 runners finished this year's race, which organizers called the largest marathon ever.
- Whether a medical examiner will independently confirm the cause of death.
- Whether her texts at Miles 18 and 19 signaled early symptoms.
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