Rachel Apa, 24, Dies of Rhabdomyolysis Running NYC Marathon. What Is It?

Key Points:

• Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old running her first marathon at the New York City Marathon, died near mile 24 after experiencing a medical emergency; she was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition and died hours later.
• Apa, a former Division I field hockey player at Bucknell University, was running to raise money for the Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of her grandfather and had expressed feeling great before the race.
• Medical staff used a defibrillator and CPR on Apa, and doctors later determined she died from rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition caused by intense exercise that leads to muscle breakdown and kidney damage.
• Rhabdomyolysis affects about 26,000 people annually in the U.S. and is associated with symptoms such as muscle swelling, weakness, soreness, and dark-colored urine; it can lead to life-threatening kidney failure if untreated.
• Experts recommend immediate medical attention if symptoms like muscle pain, swelling, or dark urine occur after intense exercise, as early treatment with fluids or dialysis can prevent severe complications.