Rick Hoyt, who became a staple of the Boston Marathon with his father pushing a wheelchair, has died at 61

BOSTON– Rick Hoyt, who with his father pushing his wheelchair became a fixture in the Boston Marathon and other races for decades, has died. He was 61 years old.

Hoyt died of complications to his respiratory system, his family announced Monday.

“Rick and our father, Dick, have been icons in the world of road running and triathlon for over 40 years and have inspired millions of people with disabilities to believe in themselves, set goals and accomplish extraordinary things,” the Hoyt family said in a statement.

Rick Hoyt suffered from cerebral palsy, which left him a quadriplegic, but he and his father became as much a part of the Boston Marathon as sore feet or Heartbreak Hill. With Dick Hoyt pushing, the two completed the course 32 times.

They have also participated in more than 1,000 other races, including duathlons and triathlons; in 1992 they completed a run and bike race across the United States that covered 3,735 miles (6,010 kilometers) in 45 days. In 2013, a father and son statue was erected near the Boston Marathon start line in Hopkinton.

Dick Hoyt died in 2021.

“It’s hard to believe they both passed away, but their legacy will never die. Dick and Rick Hoyt inspired millions around the world,” said Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray and other events the Hoyts have participated in. “We will always be grateful, Rick, for your courage, your determination, your tenacity and your willingness to give of yourself so that others too can believe in themselves, set goals and make a difference in this world like you did.