“SHE WAS RUNNING FOR HER GRANDFATHER…” — RACHEL APA’S HEARTBREAKING NYC MARATHON JOURNEY BEGAN WITH A PROMISE OF LOVE AND HOPE

A 24-year-old athlete set out to complete her first New York City Marathon in honor of the grandfather who inspired her love of sports. But just two miles from the finish line, her journey ended in tragedy. Now, her family is determined to turn their unimaginable loss into a mission to help others.

Rachel Apa had spent months preparing for a challenge that meant far more to her than simply completing 26.2 miles.

The 24-year-old from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was running her first-ever New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026, as a member of the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Parkinson’s Champions team.

Her reason for running was deeply personal.

She wanted to honor her beloved grandfather, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and passed away in 2022.

“My grandfather was one of my role models growing up,” Rachel wrote in her fundraising message before the race. “He taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges, shaping my love for sports and movement.”

She had watched as the disease gradually took away the freedom of movement her grandfather once cherished. Rather than allowing that experience to remain only a painful memory, Rachel decided to do something meaningful in his honor.

Through the marathon, she hoped to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s research, better care and a future in which more families would have hope.

Her original fundraising goal was $4,000.

But the support that followed would become far greater than she could ever have imagined.

A YOUNG ATHLETE WITH SO MUCH AHEAD OF HER

Rachel was known as a determined athlete who loved staying active and pushing herself.

She attended Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, where she played Division I field hockey for four years. She graduated in 2024 with a degree in business administration, having made 63 appearances for the university’s field hockey team.

She later began building her professional career as a product manager at TE Connectivity.

She had also recently moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where she was pursuing an MBA at Charleston Southern University while continuing to work full-time.

According to her father, Steve Apa, Rachel was someone who was always moving, always working toward another goal and always ready to take on a new challenge.

The marathon was supposed to be another milestone in that determined young life.

Her family had every reason to believe she would make it to the finish line.

“I FEEL AMAZING” — HER FINAL HOURS ON THE MARATHON COURSE

On the morning of November 1, Rachel arrived in New York City excited to take on her first marathon.

Her mother, Michelle, and two of her friends traveled around the city to cheer her on. Her father, Steve, remained at home in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, following her progress through the marathon tracking app and exchanging text messages with her.

Before the race, Rachel and her father shared words of encouragement.

At approximately the nine-mile mark, Rachel sent him a message referring to their familiar family mantra: “Hey, go.”

She also reassured him that she was feeling great.

“I feel amazing,” she wrote. “I’ve never felt this good.”

Her father encouraged her to take things carefully, reminding her that it was her first marathon and that she did not need to push herself too hard.

At mile 14, her mother saw her daughter running through the course and captured a video of her smiling and waving.

It was a moment that would later become especially heartbreaking for the family.

As Rachel continued through the race, however, her messages began to change.

Around mile 18, she texted her father one word:

“Ow.”

A mile later, another message arrived:

“Ow, ow.”

Steve continued sending encouragement as he followed her progress.

When Rachel approached mile 23, he sent her another message:

“Final stretch.”

But this time, there was no response.

TWO MILES FROM THE FINISH LINE, EVERYTHING CHANGED

Rachel had made it through almost the entire 26.2-mile course.

She was approaching mile 24 in Central Park, with just over two miles remaining before the finish line, when she suddenly collapsed.

According to the New York Police Department, officers observed a 24-year-old woman experiencing a medical emergency near mile marker 24 at approximately 1:40 p.m.

Spectators immediately rushed to help.

One bystander began performing CPR before race medical personnel arrived. Medical staff continued resuscitation efforts and used a defibrillator in an attempt to save her life.

Emergency medical services transported Rachel to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.

Her mother rushed toward the location after learning something had happened. By the time she arrived, Rachel had already been taken away in an ambulance.

Doctors continued trying to save the young woman for hours.

But despite their efforts, Rachel died at approximately 9:40 p.m. that evening.

She was just 24 years old.

Her father later described the loss as something he could hardly comprehend.

“It’s unfathomable,” Steve said, describing his daughter as being in excellent health and physical condition.

WHAT HAPPENED TO RACHEL? THE MEDICAL CONDITION HER FAMILY WANTS PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND

Following Rachel’s death, her father told media outlets that doctors had attributed the tragedy to rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition involving the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue.

Rhabdomyolysis can occur when damaged muscle cells release substances into the bloodstream. These substances can cause serious complications, including kidney damage and potentially life-threatening organ failure.

Extreme physical exertion is one recognized trigger.

Although the condition can affect people following intense exercise, it is not something that happens to every marathon runner.

Rachel’s family was particularly devastated by the fact that she had been an active athlete for years and had spent months preparing for the race.

At the time of initial media reports, New York City’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner was investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. The family’s account of the medical diagnosis was reported by multiple news outlets.

Her passing has also renewed conversations about the importance of recognizing warning signs, understanding the risks of extreme exertion and ensuring that athletes have access to prompt medical assistance.

HER FUNDRAISING GOAL BECAME SOMETHING MUCH BIGGER

Rachel’s decision to run for her grandfather had already inspired people before the race began.

But after news of her death spread, donations poured into her Parkinson’s Foundation fundraising campaign.

The original $4,000 target was quickly surpassed, with contributions reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

People who had never met Rachel began learning about the young woman who had chosen to run in memory of someone she loved.

Her story also touched the wider sporting community.

Bucknell University, where Rachel had played field hockey, expressed its heartbreak over her passing and remembered the lasting impact she had made on the program.

USA Field Hockey also shared condolences, recognizing her contribution to the sport and the people around her.

The New York Road Runners, organizers of the marathon, released a statement expressing deep sadness and extending sympathy to Rachel’s family, friends and the entire running community.

HER FAMILY IS TURNING THEIR LOSS INTO A MISSION

In a further development reported by PEOPLE on November 11, Rachel’s family is working to establish the Rachel Apa Foundation in her memory.

The initiative aims to educate athletes and the wider public about rhabdomyolysis, raise awareness of its potentially devastating consequences and help prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy.

The family also hopes to advocate for faster medical responses during endurance sporting events.

A fundraising campaign launched by Rachel’s brother has attracted significant public support, with donations intended to help establish and support the new foundation.

It is a mission born from a loss no family should have to endure.

For Steve and Michelle Apa, their daughter was not simply a marathon runner or a talented former college athlete.

She was their little girl, a loving family member, a determined young woman and someone whose future was filled with possibilities.

A GRANDDAUGHTER’S PROMISE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

Rachel never crossed the finish line of her first New York City Marathon.

But the reason she started running has now reached thousands of people.

She wanted to honor the grandfather who taught her to stay active, embrace challenges and never stop pushing herself.

She wanted to make a difference for families affected by Parkinson’s disease.

And now, her own story is inspiring another effort: helping athletes understand a dangerous medical condition that many people may know little about.

Her journey ended far too soon, but the causes she cared about continue through the people determined to remember her.

For her family, every donation, every conversation about rhabdomyolysis and every effort to protect another athlete carries a piece of Rachel’s legacy.

She started the marathon for her grandfather.

And although she never reached the finish line, the love behind that decision has traveled much farther than 26.2 miles.

Rest in peace, Rachel Apa. You will not be forgotten. 💔