Inspirational marathoner Dick Hoyt dies at 80
Father pushed his disabled son to the finish in 32 Boston races
Boston Marathon legend and fan favorite Dick Hoyt, who pushed his son in a custom racing chair in 32 Boston Marathons, has died. He was 80.
Hoyt was remembered on Wednesday — after news spread of his passing — as an icon who “personified what it meant to be a Boston Marathoner” and a “great symbol of fatherhood.”
“The thought of Dick Hoyt pushing (his son) Rick 26.2 miles through all kinds of weather certainly strikes a chord with me and with much of New England and much of the world,” said Hopkinton resident John Collins, speaking at the statue of Dick and Rick Hoyt on the Hopkinton Common.
“Not only was he a great athlete, but I think he’s a great symbol of fatherhood,” Collins said. “Very devoted to his son, always at his side, and I certainly feel for Rick today.”
Pushing Rick in a custom racing chair, Dick and Rick completed 32 Boston Marathons together, including a final finish in 2014.
“The B.A.A. is tremendously saddened to learn of the passing of Boston Marathon icon Dick Hoyt,” the Boston Athletic Association said in a statement on Wednesday. “Dick personified what it meant to be a Boston Marathoner, showing determination, passion, and love every Patriots’ Day for more than three decades.
“He was not only a fan-favorite who inspired thousands, but also a loyal friend and father who took pride in spending quality time with his son Rick while running from Hopkinton to Boston,” the B.A.A. added.
As a leader of Team Hoyt, Dick and Rick did their first Boston Marathon run in 1980.
“The pair’s bond and presence throughout the course became synonymous with the Boston Marathon,” the B.A.A. said.
Team Hoyt’s 1,000th race together came at the 2009 Boston Marathon. In 2015, Dick served as grand marshal of the race in recognition of his impact on the event and paraathlete community.
“Dick Hoyt was one-of-a-kind,” the B.A.A. said. “We will sincerely miss Dick, and are keeping his many family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.”
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh tweeted, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dick Hoyt, a @bostonmarathon legend. Dick epitomized what it means to be Boston Strong and inspired so many along the way. Boston will always miss you. Rest In Peace, my friend.”