24-year-old runner dies during NYC marathon from rare muscle condition

Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old woman running her first marathon, collapsed near mile marker 24 in Central Park during the New York City Marathon on Sunday, NBC News reported.

Emergency medical workers transported her to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, where she died hours later, according to the New York Police Department and NBC News.

Her father shared that Rachel had been exchanging encouraging text messages with him during the race and felt amazing early on, attributing it to her pre-race carb-loading.

He cautioned her not to overdo it, reminding her that it was a learning experience for her first marathon and that her mother and friends were following along the route.

Rachel Apa died of rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle condition, as confirmed by her father to NBC News.

Her family and friends had been supporting her throughout the race, traversing the five boroughs to follow her progress.