A 24-year-old New York City Marathon runner died after collapsing two miles from the finish line in Central Park, with her family saying doctors blamed a rare muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis.

Rachel Apa, from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was taking part in Sunday's race when she fell on the course and was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital.

She was pronounced dead at 9.40pm, according to her father, Steve Apa, who spoke to The New York Times and said his daughter had been in 'perfect health, perfect shape' before the event. Medical Daily has not independently verified the cause of death.

Ms Apa, a former college field hockey player, was running her first marathon for the Parkinson's Foundation Champions fundraising programme in memory of her grandfather, who died with Parkinson's disease in 2022.

She graduated from Bucknell University, worked as a product manager and was studying for an MBA at Charleston Southern University.

Final Texts to Her Father as NYC Marathon Runner Struggled

Mr Apa followed her progress from home using the official tracking app and text messages. Her mother, Michelle, who had travelled to New York, filmed Ms Apa smiling as she passed the 14 mile mark in Queens.

At about mile 18, Ms Apa texted her father a single word: 'Ow'. A mile later, she wrote: 'Ow, ow'. At mile 23, he replied: 'Final stretch'. She did not respond.

Her mother was heading for the park when the tracker showed her daughter's progress had stopped at mile 24, The New York Times reported.

By then, Michaela Nicholas, a 28-year-old hospital social worker watching from the crowd, had run to Ms Apa after seeing her collapse, according to the newspaper. She could not find a pulse. Two doctors from the crowd joined her in performing CPR until marathon medical staff arrived with a defibrillator.

Ms Apa was taken to hospital, where medics reportedly worked on her for around six hours.

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What Is Rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and its contents leak into the bloodstream. This can damage the kidneys and trigger life-threatening complications. Symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness and dark urine.

The Cleveland Clinic says about 26,000 people in the US develop the condition each year. Causes include crush injuries, certain medications and extreme exertion. It can be treated if caught early but can progress rapidly if left untreated.

Endurance events can, in rare cases, trigger the condition, particularly in hot weather or among people who are dehydrated or have underlying health problems. It is not known whether any such factors played a part in Ms Apa's death.

Organisers Address Death of NYC Marathon Runner

New York Road Runners, which organises the marathon, said it was 'deeply saddened' by the death of one of its runners following Sunday's race and extended its sympathies to the runner's family, friends and the wider running community. The statement did not name Ms Apa.

The organisers said a record 61,146 participants finished this year's race, the third consecutive year it has been billed as the largest marathon in history.

On her fundraising page, Ms Apa wrote that her grandfather 'taught me to stay active, push my limits, and embrace challenges'.

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