“OW. OW OW.” — 24-YEAR-OLD MARATHON RUNNER’S FINAL TEXTS TO HER FATHER BEFORE SHE COLLAPSED JUST TWO MILES FROM THE FINISH LINE

Rachel Apa had spent months preparing for her first New York City Marathon. At 24, she was healthy, athletic and determined to honor her beloved grandfather. But just two miles before reaching the finish line, her race took a heartbreaking turn — and the final messages she sent her father would become memories no parent should ever have to carry.

A 24-year-old Pennsylvania woman who appeared to be in excellent health has died after collapsing during her first New York City Marathon, leaving her family devastated and raising awareness about a potentially life-threatening exercise-related condition.

Rachel Apa, from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, was taking part in the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when she suddenly became unwell near the final stretch of the race.

She had trained for months, preparing herself physically and mentally for the challenge.

But Rachel wasn’t running simply to achieve a personal milestone.

She was running in memory of her beloved grandfather, who died from Parkinson’s disease in 2022, and hoped to raise money to support others affected by the condition.

Her first marathon was supposed to be a celebration of determination, family and love.

Instead, it became her final race.

A YOUNG WOMAN WHO LOVED SPORTS AND HELPING OTHERS

At just 24, Rachel had already built a life filled with activity, ambition and compassion.

A former college field hockey player, she was passionate about sports and enjoyed staying physically active.

Those who knew her remembered a young woman who embraced challenges and cared deeply about the people around her.

Her decision to participate in the New York City Marathon reflected those qualities.

The event was especially meaningful because she wanted to honor her grandfather, who had died after battling Parkinson’s disease in 2022.

By running, Rachel hoped to turn her personal loss into something positive and help raise funds for people living with the neurological condition.

Her family watched proudly as she made her way through the demanding 26.2-mile course.

Her mother, Michelle, was there to cheer her on, while her father, Steve, followed her progress remotely.

Neither could have imagined how the day would end.

HER MOTHER SAW HER SMILING AT MILE 14

For Rachel’s family, the marathon initially appeared to be going well.

Her mother watched as Rachel passed mile 14.

She was smiling and waving, giving her family every reason to believe she was enjoying the experience.

Her father continued monitoring her progress from home, following her journey toward the finish line.

But several miles later, something changed.

Rachel began experiencing pain and sent messages to her father.

At mile 18, she wrote just one word:

“Ow.”

A mile later, another message arrived:

“Ow ow.”

The short texts would later become some of the most heartbreaking details of the tᩚraɢedy.

They offered a glimpse into the distress Rachel was experiencing as she continued along the marathon route.

She eventually collapsed near Central Park, approximately two miles before the finish line.

The race that had represented months of preparation and a tribute to her grandfather had suddenly become a medical emergency.

DESPERATE EFFORTS TO SAVE HER LIFE

Medical personnel rushed to Rachel’s aid after she collapsed.

Despite emergency efforts to revive her, she could not be saved.

She died later that evening.

For her parents, the loss was devastating.

Steve and Michelle had watched their daughter prepare for the marathon and had supported her effort to honor her grandfather.

They had expected to celebrate her achievement.

Instead, they were left trying to understand how a young woman who appeared so healthy could lose her life during an event she had trained so hard to complete.

WHAT IS RHABDOMYOLYSIS?

Rachel’s father later said doctors attributed her dєatᩚh to rhabdomyolysis, a serious medical condition involving the breakdown of damaged skeletal muscle.

When muscle tissue breaks down severely, a protein called myoglobin and other cellular contents can enter the bloodstream.

In serious cases, this can cause acute kidney injury, dangerous electrolyte disturbances and potentially life-threatening complications.

Rhabdomyolysis can develop after extreme physical exertion, particularly when the body is pushed beyond its ability to recover.

However, the condition can have several causes, and not every case involving intense exercise leads to severe complications.

Warning signs may include:

• Severe muscle pain or swelling
• Unusual weakness or exhaustion
• Dark, tea-colored or cola-colored urine
• Reduced urine output
• Symptoms that are significantly worse than expected after exercise

Medical experts emphasize that suspected exertional rhabdomyolysis requires urgent medical assessment.

Rachel’s case is a reminder that even experienced athletes and seemingly healthy young adults can experience serious medical emergencies.

A MARATHON THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO HONOR HER GRANDFATHER

Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of Rachel’s story is the reason she had chosen to run.

Her grandfather had died from Parkinson’s disease in 2022.

Rather than allowing that loss to remain only a painful memory, Rachel wanted to do something meaningful in his honor.

She spent months preparing for the marathon, hoping to raise money and awareness for people affected by the disease.

Every mile represented her determination to complete something bigger than herself.

Although she never reached the finish line, her reason for running remains an important part of the legacy her family will remember.

A FAMILY LEFT WITH UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Rachel’s dєatᩚh has left her parents, Steve and Michelle, facing a loss that is difficult to comprehend.

The brief messages she sent during the race have become an especially painful reminder of her final hours.

For her father, those words were not simply updates about a difficult marathon.

They were the last messages from his daughter before she collapsed.

Her family is now left remembering a 24-year-old woman who loved sports, cared about others and wanted to make a difference.

Her story also highlights the importance of recognizing unusual symptoms during intense physical activity and seeking medical attention when something feels seriously wrong.

A marathon is a test of endurance, but no finish line is worth risking a person’s life.

Rachel set out to honor someone she loved.

She never made it to the end of the course, but her story has left a lasting impression on those who have learned about her journey.

Rest peacefully, Rachel Apa. You were only 24, and you will be remembered for the love, determination and generosity you brought into the lives of others.