A young Pennsylvania woman running the New York City Marathon for the first time to raise money for Parkinson’s disease research collapsed just over two miles from the finish line and later died. Authorities say 24-year-old Rachel Apa of Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, collapsed on Sunday as she approached the 24-mile marker in the 26.2-mile race. Her father told The New York Times she’d been stricken with rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle condition in which muscles break down during exertion, poisoning the body. It was Apa's first marathon.
Runners make their way through Queens during the New York City Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
Andreas Almgren came to watch the New York City Marathon a year ago and decided that night he was going to make his debut in the event this year. It turned out to be a great choice. The Swedish half-marathon star won his debut in the 26.2-mile distance Sunday, running the third-fastest time in race history. He finished in 2 hours, 6 minutes and 1 second. That was 13 seconds faster than the second-place finisher Yemaneberhan Crippa of Italy, who also was making his New York debut. Almgren had a record-setting 2025, winning the Valencia Half Marathon in 58:41
Sweden's Andreas Almgren, right, pulls away from Italy's Yemaneberhan Crippa as they approach the finish line of the New York City Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Sweden's Andreas Almgren approaches the finish line during the New York City Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Sweden's Andreas Almgren approaches the finish line during the New York City Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Sweden's Andreas Almgren reacts with his national flags after crossing the finish line in the men's division of the New York City Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)
Sweden's Andreas Almgren celebrates after crossing the finish line in the men's division of the New York City Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)
Andreas Almgren of Sweden finishes first in his marathon debut, taking the New York City Marathon.
Andreas Almgren, Swedish runner, third from left, competes in the men's elite division of the New York City Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)