NYC Marathon runner collapses near finish line

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 01:40 · Archive

A 24-year-old runner collapsed during the New York City Marathon near the finish line on Sunday.

Rachel Apa, 24, collapsed during the New York City Marathon on Sunday afternoon near the 24-mile mark, approximately 2.2 miles from the finish line. Spectator Michaela Nicholas, a hospital social worker, and her fiancé had been cheering runners at around 1:30 p.m. when they spotted Apa running past in green with her name on her bib. Moments later, Nicholas glanced up the road and saw Apa collapsed on the pavement.

Nicholas broke through the spectator barrier to reach Apa, who was unresponsive and without a pulse. Two other runners who were competing also stopped to help, with one calling 911. Nicholas held Apa's hand and told her she was not alone and had many people who loved her. Two doctors in the crowd quickly arrived and began administering CPR as Nicholas said a prayer.

Nicholas, who works in palliative care, said she wanted to ensure Apa was not scared during her final moments. The outlets do not report what happened to Apa after the medical response.

How it is being reported

• NYC marathon spectator told Rachel Apa ‘she wasn’t alone’ as she reveals runner’s heartbreaking final moments“I held Rachel's hand and just told her that she wasn't alone, that she had so many people who loved her,” spectator Michaela Nicholas said “I just wanted to make sure she wasn't scared.”New York Post · 5 Nov, 01:29
• 'I held her hand and told her she wasn't alone': Heroic bystander reveals NYC Marathon runner's final moments... and the heartbreaking phone call to her parentsAround 1.30pm on Sunday, Michaela Nicholas and her fiancé noticed a young girl pass by. '"Let's go, Rachel! You got this!"' she said. But then she glanced up the road. 'And she was collapsed'Daily Mail Sport · 4 Nov, 15:43

In this story: Rachel Apa · Michaela Nicholas · New York City Marathon · New York City

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