PPMD's 2026 NYC Marathon Team Sets Fundraising Record, Going the Distance to Raise Awareness and Funds for Duchenne and Becker Community

NEW YORK, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), the leading U.S. nonprofit driving Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy care, research, and advocacy efforts, is celebrating a historic achievement for its Race to End Duchenne endurance fundraising program following the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon this past weekend. This year's team raised $300,000, marking the most successful fundraising effort in the history of Race to End Duchenne's NYC Marathon program.

The milestone reflects the extraordinary commitment of the runners, donors, volunteers, and supporters who came together around a shared goal: accelerating research, improving care, and strengthening advocacy efforts for the Duchenne and Becker community. Every mile represents an opportunity to raise awareness, bring people together, and support the work being done to create a better future for individuals and families navigating Duchenne and Becker.

PPMD's 2026 NYC Marathon team included two runners with a sub 3:00 time, Nicholas Byrnes and Jack Napoli, a longtime member of the Race to End Duchenne team who finished in the top 1% in both his age group (20-24) and marathon finishers overall.

The team's record-breaking fundraising achievement reflects not only the dedication of its runners, but also the generosity of the many individuals, families, and supporters who rallied behind them.

"Reaching a new fundraising record for our NYC Marathon program is an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to the generosity and commitment of this community," said Nicole Herring, PPMD's Vice President, Development & Community Engagement and head of PPMD's Race to End Duchenne program. "The funds raised will help PPMD continue advancing research, strengthening care, and advocating for the Duchenne and Becker community. We're proud of what this team has accomplished together and grateful to everyone who made it possible."

Launched in 2005, PPMD's Race to End Duchenne endurance fundraising program has grown from its first team of 86 runners, who raised more than $86,000, into an international community movement bringing together hundreds of individuals and families each year. Through marathons, half-marathons, 5Ks, family runs, and other endurance events, participants run, walk, and roll to raise funds and awareness for Duchenne and Becker. Over the past two decades, Race to End Duchenne has raised more than $19 million to support PPMD's work to advance research, improve care, accelerate access to therapies, and advocate for individuals and families affected by Duchenne and Becker. This year's record-setting NYC Marathon team adds another milestone to that legacy.

PPMD extends its sincere thanks to this year's NYC Marathon team, the donors and cheering sections who supported their efforts, and everyone who helped make this record-setting achievement possible.

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne is a genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) fights every single battle necessary to end Duchenne.

We demand optimal care standards and ensure every family has access to expert healthcare providers, cutting edge treatments, and a community of support. We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of Duchenne patients and in research that will benefit future generations. Our advocacy efforts have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and won eight FDA approvals.

Everything we do—and everything we have done since our founding in 1994—helps those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person affected by the disease. Join our fight against Duchenne at EndDuchenne.org. Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)