Boston Marathon icon Dick Hoyt, dead at 80 – CBS Boston

Boston Marathon icon Dick Hoyt, dead at 80 – CBS Boston

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BOSTON (CBS) – Dick Hoyt, a Boston Marathon icon who pushed his son Rick during the event for decades, died on Wednesday. He was 80 years old.

Hoyt died in his sleep. He had been dealing with health problems recently.

Dick and Rick Hoyt in 2014. (WBZ-TV)

Dick and Rick Hoyt have participated in the Boston Marathon since 1980, when Dick first pushed his son, who was born a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy, in the race. The duo started running other marathons across the country in 1977.

The older Hoyt had to stop running several years ago. They ran the last Boston Marathon together in 2014.

Bryan Lyons, who replaced Dick Hoyt in 2015, died suddenly last year.

WBZ-TV sports director Steve Burton reacted to the news of Dick Hoyt’s death.

“He was an inspiration to many runners,” said Burton.

Throughout his decades of running, Dick Hoyt participated in 72 marathons and ran 257 triathlons.

“He was a man of steel,” said Burton. “Even though he was sick, he never came down. He would look at his son Rick, and Rick was his inspiration. Each time it was a fight, he would turn to his son Rick and he would just lift him up. “

The Boston Athletic Association issued this statement on Wednesday afternoon:

BAA is tremendously saddened to learn of the death of Boston Marathon icon Dick Hoyt. Dick personified what it meant to be a Boston Marathoner, showing determination, passion and love in every Patriots’ Day for more than three decades. He was not only a fan favorite that inspired thousands, but also a loyal friend and father who prided himself on having a good time with his son Rick while running from Hopkinton to Boston.

As a leader of Team Hoyt, Dick Hoyt and his son Rick quickly became legends of the Boston Marathon after their first race in 1980. Pushing Rick into a custom racing chair, Dick and Rick completed 32 Boston marathons together, including a result final in 2014. the couple’s bond and presence throughout the course became synonymous with the Boston Marathon. Team Hoyt’s 1000th race was at the 2009 Boston Marathon and, in 2015, Dick served as Grand Marshal of the race in recognition of his impact on the event and the Paratleta community.

Dick Hoyt was unique. We will miss Dick a lot and keep his many family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.

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