The family of Rachel Apa, the runner who died less than two miles from the New York City Marathon finish line on Sunday, has launched a $150,000 fundraising campaign to raise awareness of the condition that claimed the 24-year-old’s life.
“We want to ensure athletes understand this danger, prevent another family from suffering a loss like ours, and keep Rachel’s memory alive,” her family said.
Apa collapsed just a short distance from the finish line in Manhattan’s Central Park on Sunday. A hospital social worker rushed to help but could not find a pulse, while two physicians in the crowd also performed CPR. She was pronounced dead Sunday night. Her cause of death was rhabdomyolysis, a potentially fatal condition that can result from strenuous exercise without adequate rest.
The rare condition, which affects approximately 0.0076 percent of the US population each year, causes muscle tissue to break down. As a result, “toxic components of your muscle fibers” can enter the kidneys and bloodstream.
By late Friday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign for “The Rachel Apa Foundation” had raised $106,000 toward its $150,000 target.
“Our family is beyond heartbroken,” a post on the fundraising page read. “Rachel was a loving daughter and sister, a loyal friend, and the brightest person in any room. Her kindness, determination, and faith inspired everyone she met.”
Rachel Apa collapsed less than two miles from the finish line in Manhattan’s Central Park on Sunday
“She passed away while running the New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026. We have been overwhelmed by support from friends and strangers alike. Many people have asked how they can help or have donated to Rachel’s original marathon fundraiser.”
The family said every donation would go toward establishing and supporting the Rachel Apa Foundation.
“The nonprofit will educate the public about the little-known condition doctors believe killed her: rhabdomyolysis, or rhabdo. We want to ensure athletes understand this danger, prevent another family from suffering a loss like ours, and keep Rachel’s memory alive.”
“Beyond education, our long-term goal is to advocate for rapid medical care on the course at endurance events and support athletes who carry Rachel’s spirit across finish lines everywhere.”
“Thank you for your support,” the message concluded. “It means the world to us.”
Apa was running the race to raise money for Parkinson’s Champions in memory of her grandfather, who died from the disease.
According to The New York Times, Apa collapsed at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Apa ran to raise money for Parkinson’s Champions in memory of her grandfather
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A hospital social worker and the two physicians first tried to help her. Marathon medical staff then arrived with a defibrillator, according to a statement from race organizer New York Road Runners (NYRR).
Paramedics soon arrived in an ambulance and took Apa to Mount Sinai Medical Center. Doctors attempted to save her life for six hours before she was pronounced dead at 9:40 p.m.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our runners following yesterday’s race,” the Road Runners said in a statement. “Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the runner’s family, friends, and the entire running community.”
The Bucknell University graduate had spent months training for Sunday’s marathon, which she entered to raise funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation Champions program in her grandfather’s memory.
“I watched as the disease slowly took away the freedom to move that he once loved so much,” she wrote on a fundraising page. “He passed away in 2022, but the lessons he taught me continue to drive me forward.”
Runners make their way through Central Park during the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon
Rachel’s mother, Michelle, filmed her daughter smiling at Mile 14. Apa was also messaging her father, Steve, in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, where he sent her words of encouragement, according to The New York Times.
Steve received a short reply from his daughter at Mile 18: “Ow.” A mile later, she sent “Ow ow.” At Mile 23, he told her she had reached the “final stretch,” but he never received another response.
Michelle was waiting for Apa at Mile 25 when she noticed on the marathon tracking app that her daughter remained farther back in Central Park than expected.
She reached the scene as an ambulance was transporting Apa to the hospital and followed shortly afterward in another ambulance.
After Apa’s death, NYRR confirmed that she was the first runner to die during the New York City Marathon since 2024. In 2007, five-time US national champion Ryan Shay died in Central Park during the Olympic marathon trials, which NYRR held the day before that year’s New York City Marathon.
Apa worked as a product manager for an electrical components company and was studying for an MBA at Charleston Southern University.
“My grandfather was my role model growing up,” Rachel wrote online. “He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement. Later in life, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and I watched as the disease slowly took away the freedom to move that he once loved so much. He passed away in 2022, but the lessons he taught me continue to drive me forward.”
“I’m proud to run with Parkinson’s Foundation Champions to raise funds and awareness for research, better care, and a cure.”
