Dad pushes his son with cerebral palsy to finish more than 1,000 races over four decades

completed 32 runs of the Boston Marathon.

In 1992, Dick and Rick cycled and ran 3,735 miles across the country in 45 days. For the swimming portion of triathlons, Dick swam while dragging his son on a raft, and for the cycling portion, he rode on a tandem bike that was especially made for the event.

Dick was able to significantly increase his fitness level, and despite pushing his son, he was still able to run a 5K in 17 minutes, setting a new personal best.

People sometimes concentrate on what people with disabilities cannot do, but with his family’s support and assistance, these two made sure to show the world that anything is possible.

On April 8, 2013, a bronze statue honouring the Hoyts was installed in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, close to the Boston Marathon’s starting line.

In an effort to provide young people with disabilities with as much normalcy in daily life, including athletics, the two co-founded the Hoyt Foundation in 1989.

After having some health issues, Dick Hoyt passed away in his sleep on March 17, 2021, at his home. At 80 years old, he was.

“He had an ongoing heart condition that he had been struggling with for years and it just got the better of him,” Russ Hoyt, one of the runner sons said.

Rob Hoyt, one of the brothers, told Rick the terrible news. Rick was devastated to learn of his father’s untimely passing.

“You could see it in him, it was like someone hit him,” he said.

Dick was a quiet man who always preferred that his son receive attention for their accomplishments.

“I knew the credit went to my son. He was my motivation. Something gets into me when I’m competing along with Rick that makes us go faster. My strength comes from him, as if it moves from his body into mine. The strength that I got from my son that day enabled us to become Ironmen,” Dick said.

However, his son was aware that his father had the fortitude to accomplish what they achieved.

“I also describe my dad as one of the most determined individuals I’ve ever met; not simply determined to help me in my life, but also to help others.” Rick said.