Dick Hoyt emphasized ‘ability’ in the word disability.
Last Wednesday, the world of running said goodbye to a very inspiring person. Dick Hoyt was 80 years old when he passed away in his sleep.
Over the years, Hoyte had an impact on the world of running, and he also inspired many people, including me.
Hoyt’s son, Rick, was born with cerebral palsy. At age 11, Rick started using a communication device to speak. After learning about a race done to benefit a paralyzed lacrosse player, Rick told his dad that “all he wanted to do” was run. The year was 1977.
From then on, the Hoyts became a running duo, inspiring people along the way. They were “Team Hoyt.”
With Dick pushing Rick, they ran in a total of 72 marathons, six Ironman races, 32 Boston Marathons, and ran/biked across the U.S in a journey that took 45 days.
In 2008, the duo was inducted into The Ironman Hall of Fame. Later, a statue was dedicated in their honor. And in 2013, they won the coveted Jimmy V. Perseverance Award.
RIP, Dick Hoyt. Thank you for being an inspiration.
