In the spring of 1977, Rick Hoyt told his father that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run. Far from being a long-distance runner, Dick 1 to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in next to last. That night, Rick told his father, “Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not 2. ”
This 3 was just the beginning of what would become over 1, 000 races 4. The 2009 Boston Marathon was officially Team Hoyt's 1000th race. Rick always says if it comes down to doing one 5 a year he would like it to be the Boston Marathon: his 6 race.
2013 was going to be Team Hoyt's last Boston Marathon together, but they were not able to finish due to the terrorist bombing at the finish line. They 7 to be back in 2014 to finish the race with all the other runners, which they did, 8 many times along the 26. 2 distance to take photos and shake hands of the many well-wishers.
Dick and Rick will continue to do 9 distances races together, but teammate Bryan Lyons will be taking over in pushing Rick in the 2015 Boston.
Rick was once10 , if he could give his father one thing, what would it be? Rick responded, “The thing I'd most like is for my dad to sit in the chair and I would 11 him for once. ”
Racing in support of others less fortunate, devoting their time and energy to 12 others, Team Hoyt continued in that same 13 for 37 years. They proved to everyone that anything can be done with enough stubborn 14 , devotion, and above all, the bottomless depths of 15 that can be found only in the unique bond between a father and his son.
