DICK HOYT MEMORIAL "YES YOU CAN" RUN TOGETHER RUNNING AND WALKING EVENT COMES TO HOPKINTON THIS MAY
New race honors Dick Hoyt’s legacy, raises funds for foundation
On May 27, the Hoyt Foundation and The Hoyt Family will host the first-ever Dick Hoyt Memorial “Yes You Can” Run Together race in Hopkinton, Mass. The event begins at 10 a.m. and features a five-mile run and a two-mile walk. Funds raised by the event will benefit The Hoyt Foundation, which aspires to build the individual character, self-confidence and self-esteem of America’s disabled young people through inclusion in all facets of daily life. Registration is now open.
“We miss Dad every day, but an event like this helps us keep his ‘Yes, You Can!’ spirit alive and well,” stated Rick Hoyt.
“The Hoyt Family, the Hoyt Foundation, and Team Hoyt can think of no better way to honor Dad’s memory than for everyone to join us in Hopkinton and run or walk by their statue,” remarked Russ Hoyt.
“It is fitting to honor Dick and the inspiration he offered to all who knew his and Rick’s story here in Hopkinton,” said Dave McGillivray, President of the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, who is helping produce the event. “I had the honor of sending Team Hoyt off onto the Boston Marathon course for many years, and this new race will act as a starting line for others on their own journey to overcome obstacles and believe in themselves.”
Beginning and ending at Marathon Elementary School in Hopkinton, the routes will take participants past the Dick and Rick Hoyt bronze statue that was dedicated to the duo in 2013. An after-celebration will follow with entertainment for all ages including a beer garden, games, an awards ceremony, and more. Runners who cannot join the event in person are encouraged to participate in a virtual version of the race, taking on the five-mile distance from anywhere.
The 5-mile route was chosen to honor the distance of the first race Dick Hoyt ever ran with his son, Rick. Rick, who is a nonspeaking quadriplegic, got on his computer and wrote, “Dad, can I run a race to help raise money for an injured college athlete?” Dick said the now-famous words to his son, “Yes, you can!” After the race, Rick got back on his computer and wrote, “Dad, when we are running it feels like my disability disappears.” Dick and Rick became Team Hoyt. Dick pushed Rick in over 1,100 races, including the Boston Marathon 32 times and the Ironman Triathlon 6 times. Team Hoyt utilized a wheelchair at first, then developed a running chair to facilitate their participation as a duo. Dick passed away in 2021.
Runners who cannot join the event in person are encouraged to participate in a virtual version of the race, taking on the five-mile distance from anywhere.
Alongside the new running event, the foundation engages athletes by offering opportunities to complete iconic running and triathlon races while raising money for their mission.
For more information about Team Hoyt and the Hoyt Foundation, visit www.teamhoyt.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT TEAM HOYT AND THE HOYT FOUNDATION
The Hoyt Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1989. The Hoyt Foundation aspires to build the individual character, self-confidence, and self-esteem of America’s disabled young people through inclusion in all facets of daily life. Founded by the Hoyt Family, the organization carries on the legacy of Team Hoyt: the dynamic duo Dick and Rick Hoyt who were pioneers of advocating for people with disabilities to participate in endurance events. Dick pushed Rick in over 1,100 races, including the Boston Marathon 32 times and the Ironman Triathlon 6 times. For more information about Team Hoyt and the Hoyt Foundation, visit www.teamhoyt.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT THE DAVE MCGILLIVRAY FINISH STRONG FOUNDATION
The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation seeks to inspire and empower youth across New England and beyond to increase physical activity, expand literacy, and build community and self-esteem through running, reading, and performing acts of kindness. Their vision is rooted in a belief that discovering a passion for physical activity, reading, and acts of kindness at a young age gives individuals self-confidence and self-respect, which empowers them to move forward—one step at a time. For over 18 years, the foundation has remained committed to preparing individuals for future success and building vibrant communities. For more information on the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, visit www.davemcgillivrayfoundation.org and follow the foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.