Many Are Paying Tribute After Boston Marathon Legend Dick Hoyt Has Passed Away

For nearly 40 years, Dick Hoyt and his son would do the Boston Marathon together, although it was anything but conventional.

Dick Hoyt’s son, Rick, is a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. Still, in every marathon from 1981 to 2014, Dick Hoyt would push his son all the way to the finish line. It was a feat that we have never seen before, and we’ll probably never see anything like it again.

“Because of their commitment to each other, that is how they accomplished some of the athletic feats that someone not pushing someone would be able to do. But my father being able to have my brother with him at every event was just amazing,” said Russ Hoyt via WCVB Boston.

Many people have swarmed to social media to offer touching tributes to Dick Hoyt after it was announced that he has passed away at 80-years-old.

We are tremendously saddened to learn of the passing of Boston Marathon icon Dick Hoyt. Dick personified what it means to be a Boston Marathoner, finishing 32 races with son Rick. We are keeping his many family & friends in our prayers. https://t.co/glau0ryh4R pic.twitter.com/SYmvZfezW7

— B.A.A. (@BAA) March 17, 2021

Dick Hoyt ran a 2:40 Boston Marathon pushing his son. The greatest feat in running history. They also did six Ironman Triathlons. For the swim portion, he used a rope attached to his body to pull Rick in a boat. For two miles. And then 150 miles on a bike and the 26.2 mile run. https://t.co/hzTEGbbkYW

— Kirk Minihane (@kirkmin) March 17, 2021

Boston Marathon legend Dick Hoyt has died at the age of 80.

Dick and his son Rick inspired so many. I always got chills when I saw them running. pic.twitter.com/pA5FGu5teC

— BostonTweet (@BostonTweet) March 17, 2021

For decades, Team Hoyt has been a shining example of determination and spirit, inspiring all of us every April at the Boston Marathon.

Today, the Bruins mourn the passing of Dick Hoyt and send our thoughts and best wishes to the Hoyt family. pic.twitter.com/aYd7JLf9Ye

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 17, 2021

THREAD FOR DICK HOYT
Dick Hoyt died today. He was so nice to me when I started writing about heroes. So here is his story: When Dick and Judy Hoyt’s son was born with cerebral palsy, unable to walk or talk, the doctors told them to just “put him away.”
No, they decided. pic.twitter.com/efsIBMvSpi

— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) March 17, 2021

We mourn the passing of Dick Hoyt.

In 1988, IRONMAN and its community were introduced to the trailblazing father-son team of Dick and Rick Hoyt at the IRONMAN World Championship. While they didn’t finish that first year further history would be made the very next year.

(1/5) pic.twitter.com/CmeOpmCObY

— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) March 17, 2021

USA Triathlon is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Dick Hoyt. Hoyt was an endurance sports icon, a Boston Marathon and Kona legend and a USA Triathlon Hall of Famer. More importantly, he was a tremendous father and a beloved member of our community. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/SDRZTcDb7D

— USA Triathlon (@usatriathlon) March 17, 2021

Very sad news out of Boston this morning. We lost a giant. RIP to the great Dick Hoyt. A groundbreaker, an endurance legend, but more than anything, a father who would do anything for his son. pic.twitter.com/Mtk9SSoPBK

— Bob Babbitt (@Bob_Babbitt) March 17, 2021

Very sad to hear of the passing of triathlon and marathon legend Dick Hoyt. Dick was a trailblazer for inclusion in endurance sports and his legacy will live on in perpetuity. pic.twitter.com/hZVQOs6da5

— Brad Culp (@bbculp) March 17, 2021

So sad to hear about the passing of Dick Hoyt. I found this fond memory running alongside Dick. Team Hoyt opened up the gates of inclusion and thousands followed #TeamHoyt #running pic.twitter.com/OKVnrZFfkX

— Bart Yasso (@BartYasso) March 17, 2021

So sad to hear of the passing of Dick Hoyt. Thoughts and prayers for his family. #inspiringlegend #oneofBostonsgreats pic.twitter.com/qsXZ5Oi1AJ

— Liam Fitzgerald (@fistbumpkid) March 17, 2021

A sad day. Dick(and Rick Hoyt) will always be @bostonmarathon legends. No one has represented the city of Boston better. Hard-working, strong, determined, humble, kind, generous. I have loved everything about the Hoyts. My condolences to the family and friends. R-I-P Dick Hoyt. https://t.co/GK2gDd0ZOh

— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) March 17, 2021

You want to toast someone today? Toast this wonderful human.
Bless your heart Dick Hoyt. Rest now. https://t.co/bA2Dl6PuO9

— Vicki (@UnfilteredVicki) March 17, 2021

There really isn’t much to say except that we should all have gratitude for people like Dick Hoyt, who was able to inspire so many people by doing something that astonishes us.

Dick Hoyt truly is a legend. RIP.

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