Napoli sweeps Disney 5K and 10K for $300K cause
The magic of Walt Disney World took on a deeper, more determined cadence this past weekend as Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) celebrated a powerful showing at the 2026 Marathon Weekend.
Among the thousands of tourists and athletes were 175 runners representing the Race to End Duchenne, a team dedicated to fighting the genetic disorder that slowly robs individuals of their muscle strength. By the time the final medals were distributed, the group had raised more than $300,000 to accelerate research, improve care, and strengthen advocacy for the Duchenne and Becker community.
While the weekend celebrated collective effort, it was the individual performance of Jack Napoli that captured the sporting headlines. The Boulder, Colorado, native turned the Orlando pavement into his own personal highlight reel, underscoring the strength of the community he represents.
On Friday, Napoli charged through the 5K course to take first place with a blistering time of 16:30. He returned to the starting line on Saturday for the 10K, not only winning the race with a time of 34:19 but securing a rare “three-peat”—his third consecutive year atop the 10K podium. Competing for Team Danny, Napoli runs in honor and memory of his cousin, transforming a personal loss into a public display of endurance.
For the families watching from the sidelines, the event was about visibility and progress. “Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is about more than medals and miles—it’s about momentum,” said Nicole Herring, PPMD’s Vice President of Development and Community Engagement. “Every runner, donor, and supporter helps move us closer to our shared goal.”
The $300,000 raised adds to a staggering legacy. Since 2005, the Race to End Duchenne has raised over $19 million, fueling advocacy efforts that have secured hundreds of millions in funding and eight FDA approvals for treatments.
“The Race to End Duchenne program is one of the most powerful ways to honor our loved ones,” said John Killian, PPMD Board Chair and a Duchenne parent. “Together, we are helping ensure that every member of our community has access to the therapies and quality care they need to live longer, stronger lives.”
