First-time marathoner dies after collapsing near NYC finish line

New York Road Runners confirmed Tuesday morning that Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old first-time marathoner, died following Sunday's New York City Marathon. The organization expressed its sympathy to Apa's family and the running community in a statement released early in the day.

Apa collapsed near mile 24 of the 26.2-mile course, a location within Central Park. Medical personnel transported her to Mt. Sinai Hospital around 2 p.m. She was pronounced dead several hours later. According to sources, a bystander administered CPR to Apa before marathon medical officials took over the care.

Her father told The New York Times that Apa died of rhabdomyolysis. This rare medical condition causes muscles to break down. The Pennsylvania native was participating in the race for the first time.

Apa was fundraising for Parkinson's disease in memory of her late grandfather. Her fundraising page described him as her role model who taught her to stay active and push her limits. The page stated that he shaped her love for sports and movement by encouraging her to embrace challenges.

The New York City Marathon takes place annually in the city's five boroughs. The final stretch of the race runs through Central Park before concluding at the finish line. Runners complete 26.2 miles in the event, which attracts thousands of participants from around the world.