New York City Marathon runner Rachel Apa, 24, died Sunday after collapsing near mile 24, only two miles from the finish. Her father, Steve Apa, told The New York Times that her cause of death was rhabdomyolysis, a rare and dangerous muscle condition.

Apa entered the Nov. 1, 2026, race for the first time alongside more than 60,000 other runners. The former Bucknell University Division I field hockey player had reportedly spent months training for the marathon.

Her mother, Michelle Apa, watched her pass mile 14 in Long Island City, Queens. She recorded her daughter appearing strong, smiling and exchanging high fives before continuing toward Central Park.

Michelle Apa then traveled toward the finish, planning to wait at mile 25. Steve Apa remained at home in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, tracking his daughter through the New York Road Runners app and sending supportive messages at every mile.

At mile 18, Rachel Apa reportedly texted her father, "Ow." At mile 19, she sent another troubling message: "Ow ow."

Steve Apa texted, "Final stretch," when his daughter reached mile 23. According to the Times, she never responded.

Spectator Michaela Nicholas saw Apa pass near mile 24 in Central Park, wearing matching green shorts and a tank top. Nicholas cheered as Apa approached the final two miles, but seconds later, at about 1:30 p.m., the runner collapsed.

Nicholas, a hospital social worker, rushed over and determined that Apa had no pulse. After Nicholas’ fiancée called for a doctor, two people identifying themselves as physicians began taking turns performing CPR while Nicholas held Apa’s hand.

The New York Road Runners told the Times that marathon medical workers arrived shortly afterward and attempted to revive Apa with a defibrillator. Paramedics later reached the scene with an ambulance.

When Michelle Apa noticed that her daughter was no longer moving on the tracking app, she headed toward her location. She arrived as the ambulance carrying Rachel Apa was pulling away.

Michelle Apa was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where doctors worked for more than six hours to save her daughter. Rachel Apa was declared dead at around 9:40 p.m., according to the report.

Steve Apa described the loss in stark terms. "It’s unfathomable," he said. "Perfect health, perfect shape, 24 years old."

Rhabdomyolysis, also called rhabdo, occurs when overexerted muscles break down, causing muscle death, according to Cleveland Clinic. Components released from damaged muscle fibers can enter the circulatory system and kidneys, potentially causing kidney damage and acting like poison in the body.

The condition can occur after injury, severe dehydration, overheating or excessive intense exercise without rest. Signs can include weak muscles, stiffness, swelling, muscle pain and urine that appears brown, red or tea colored.

Rhabdo can also cause nausea, dehydration and loss of consciousness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and generally develop one to three days after the muscle injury.

Cleveland Clinic urges people to respond quickly to unusual soreness or exhaustion. "If you feel especially sore or tired during a workout, stop and rest," it recommends. "Don’t push yourself beyond safe limits."

The clinic also advises, "[Stay] hydrated and avoid getting overheated. Take breaks in the shade if you’re doing physical activity in the heat."

The New York Road Runners said the marathon’s previous death involved a medical incident in 2024. Following Apa’s death, the organization said, "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."

Apa worked as a product manager for an electrical component company while pursuing an MBA at Charleston Southern University. She ran the marathon to raise money against Parkinson’s disease in honor of her grandfather, who died in 2022.

"My grandfather was my role model growing up," Apa wrote on the Parkinson’s Champions fundraising website. "He taught me to stay active, push my limits and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement."

Apa wrote that Parkinson’s disease gradually took away the freedom of movement her grandfather had loved. She added, "I'm proud to run with Parkinson's Foundation Champions to raise funds and awareness for research, better care and a cure."

Her campaign raised more than $22,000 and counting for the cause.