NYC marathoner died of rhabdomyolysis, her father says. Here’s what to know about the rare condition.

November 3, 2026 / 2:21 PM EST / CBS News

A 24-year-old woman who died after collapsing 2 miles from the finish line of the TCS New York City Marathon had a rare condition called rhabdomyolysis, her father said.

Steve Apa told The New York Times that his daughter Rachel had been texting him indicating that she was in pain earlier in the race. Her mother was waiting at Mile 25, he said, but Rachel never made it to the milestone.

She collapsed at Mile 24. A bystander administered CPR, race organizer New York Road Runners said, until medical staff from the organization took over. A defibrillator was used, NYRR said, and she was transported by ambulance to a Mount Sinai hospital, where she died after further treatment.

The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner told CBS News that no final determination of cause of death has been made. NYRR also did not confirm her cause of death.

"We are deeply saddened by Rachel's passing following running in Sunday's race," the organization said in a statement.

Here's what to know about rhabdomyolysis and its connection to intense exercise.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that occurs when muscle cells…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/