Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old former college athlete, was in her best shape when she suddenly collapsed during the final stretch at Manhattan’s Central Park, according to her father, Steve Apa. Her tragic death during the 2026 New York City Marathon has left her family and the running community heartbroken.
Rachel was just about two miles from the finish line when she collapsed and later died from an extremely rare muscular condition on November 2, 2026. Now, her father, Steve Apa, has shared more details about their final conversation, including her reassuring words that she had never felt better during the race.
Rachel Apa told her father she had ‘never felt this good’ during the marathon
Rachel was running her first marathon after months of training. Her father described her as being in excellent health and said she had been excited about taking on the 26.2-mile challenge. However, what began as a memorable sporting milestone ended in tragedy when her family noticed that her location on the marathon-tracking app had stopped moving.
In an interview with NBC News, Steve recalled exchanging messages with Rachel throughout the race. At around the nine-mile mark, she sent him an upbeat message at around 11:30 a.m., saying she was feeling great. She reportedly texted, “I feel amazing,” before adding, “I’ve never felt this good.”
Steve, following the race from the family’s home in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, urged his daughter not to overdo it. Knowing it was her first marathon, he reminded her to take it easy and focus on finishing rather than racing against the clock. Several miles later, she texted, “Ugh,” to which Steve responded, “You beat the 18.”
However, as Rachel progressed through the course, her messages started to suggest that she was feeling discomfort. Around mile 18, she texted her father, “Ow.” Steve responded by congratulating her on reaching the milestone and reminding her to “go easy.” A mile later, Rachel sent another message: “Ow, ow.”
Her father continued checking on her as she approached the finish line. He encouraged her to focus on completing the race rather than maintaining her speed. He reportedly texted, “All finish, not speed,” but his final messages went unanswered.
Rachel’s father noticed her marathon tracker had stopped moving
As Rachel approached the final stretch, Steve sent her another encouraging message, telling her that she was almost there. When she did not respond, he checked the marathon-tracking app and noticed that her location had stopped moving. Rachel’s mother, Michelle Apa, and some friends were waiting for her near the 25-mile mark. They, too, noticed that she was no longer making progress on the route.
Steve called his wife and urged her to look for their daughter. He also sent Rachel another message, telling her that her mother was walking towards her. However, Michelle soon learned that Rachel had already been taken away in an ambulance.
The runner had collapsed around the 24-mile mark in Central Park, roughly two miles from the finish. A bystander reportedly performed CPR before race medical personnel arrived. Rachel was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but died later that evening.
According to her father, Rachel died from rhabdomyolysis, an extremely rare but serious condition in which damaged muscle tissue releases substances into the bloodstream that can harm vital organs. The medical examiner’s official determination was still pending in the reports provided by the family.
Rachel Apa was a lifelong athlete running in honor of her grandfather. A former student-athlete, she graduated from Bucknell University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Markets, Innovation and Design. She played field hockey for the university’s team for four years and was recognized for her work on the field and her academic achievements.
At the time of her death, Rachel had recently started an MBA program at Charleston Southern University while also working a full-time remote job as a product manager. She had participated in the New York City Marathon to raise money for the Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of her grandfather, who died from the disease in 2022.
Steve described his daughter as someone who was constantly busy with school, sports and other pursuits. Rachel’s close friends said she was always active and had a habit of throwing herself wholeheartedly into whatever she was doing.
More than 61,000 runners took part in this year’s New York City Marathon. The race organizers expressed their condolences following Rachel’s death, offering their sympathies to her family, friends and the wider running community.
Our deep condolences are with Rachel Apa’s family and loved ones.
Image courtesy: Facebook, Bucknell Athletics
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