Rockaway Nurse to Run New York City Marathon
Pediatric nurse Dan Paparelli will race 26.2 miles to support The Floating Hospital on November 1, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Running
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Rockaway resident and pediatric intensive care unit nurse Dan Paparelli is set to run the New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026. He is participating in the 26.2-mile race to support The Floating Hospital, which provides services for unhoused and underprivileged children.
Why it matters
Paparelli secured a $20,000 grant for the Queens-based nonprofit as part of his efforts. The nurse intends to direct these funds toward supporting medical care for vulnerable youth in the community.
The New York City Marathon spans 26.2 miles across five boroughs and will feature 60,000 runners. The effort secured a $20,000 grant for The Floating Hospital.
The players
Dan Paparelli
He is a pediatric intensive care unit nurse and Rockaway resident participating in the New York City Marathon.
The Floating Hospital
This Queens-based nonprofit organization provides medical services to unhoused and underprivileged children.
New York Road Runners
This non-profit organization is responsible for organizing the New York City Marathon and bestowing the Citizens Miles That Matter Award.
The details
Paparelli, who has worked at New York Presbyterian-Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital since 2023, is also pursuing studies to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. He is a 2026 recipient of the Citizens Miles That Matter Award, which is presented by Citizens Bank and the New York Road Runners.
Timeline
Paparelli worked as a lifeguard for the National Park Service from 2016 to 2021.
Paparelli began his role at New York Presbyterian-Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital in 2023.
Paparelli received the Citizens Miles That Matter Award in 2026.
Paparelli is scheduled to run the New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026.
Paparelli is expected to complete his nurse anesthetist program at Thomas Jefferson University in 2029.
Season Trajectory
This race participation highlights how community-focused charitable efforts define the human interest narrative surrounding the annual New York City Marathon. It bridges the gap between individual athletic commitment and the broader impact of local grassroots fundraising during the race season.
Paparelli joins 60,000 other runners competing on the course, which spans all five boroughs of the city. His finish will mark the culmination of his 2026 fundraising efforts for the Queens-based nonprofit.
The takeaway
Choosing a local organization allows runners to create a tangible impact within their own neighborhood. Supporting medical services for vulnerable populations transforms a personal athletic challenge into a community investment.
Further reading
Find more updates on the upcoming race in the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Wave - Rockaway's Newspaper since 1893 | 718-634-4000.
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