Meet our runners
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
After being diagnosed with military service connected lung cancer in 2021, I had to learn to walk and run after a major surgery. I know how freeing it felt to participate in the races, slowly at first. I understand the Hoyt's appreciation to participate in these community events where people accomplish the hard and impossible. I am inspired by the unbreakable spirit of Dick and Rick Hoyt, who showed the world that determination knows no bounds. Their legacy of pushing boundaries for individuals with disabilities resonates deeply with me, as I believe in fostering inclusion, resilience, and community support. I'm committed to raising awareness and funds to empower those facing similar challenges, turning every mile into a step toward a more accessible future—proving that together, we can achieve the extraordinary.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
My name is James and I push my cousin Rusty, we've been running together for 11 years now! We've run races all over New England including 7 marathons. Rusty is a huge Boston sports fan and has a very competitive spirit. Together we've run a 3:02 marathon and our goal is to break 3 hours, we're training hard and hoping for some Boston magic this April. Rusty's parents (my aunt Joelle and uncle Steve) are both retired Army veterans and their family has settled in Topsham Maine. Aunt Joelle is an adaptive PE teacher and provides a lot of support to the disabled community in Maine. Our family is incredibly proud to represent Team Hoyt as the honorary duo team this year and we look forward to representing this cause that has done so much for us this Patriot's day.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
I first saw a running chair while supporting a local police department at the 2014 Boston Marathon, and though it took us 8 years to get one, we’ve aimed to bring the "Yes You Can" attitude wherever we run and with other sports like downhill skiing and canoeing. Chloe’s motto written on the side of our Hoyt Running Chair is “Be somebody nobody thought you would be”, and it drives us in all our endeavors to think “how” we get there, not “if”!
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
I grew up watching and running alongside Dick and Rick Hoyt at the Falmouth Road Race, and I’ve always been inspired by their incredible bond and perseverance. As a lifelong athlete, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful sports can be in creating friendships, building confidence, and fostering inclusion. Athletics have given me so much, and I’m excited and proud to support an organization that ensures those same opportunities exist for everyone.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
Sports — particularly ice hockey and field hockey — have had a hugely positive impact on me and have given me confidence and community that extend to all areas of my life. I am inspired by Rick and Dick’s mission to foster inclusion through athletics, and I have seen firsthand as an adaptive learn-to-skate instructor the positive impact that athletics can have for people of all abilities. It was inspiring to witness and run alongside Dick and Rick in several Falmouth Road Races, and it is an honor to run the 2026 Boston Marathon in their memory and in support of such an impactful cause.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
The Hoyt family’s legacy of inclusion, perseverance, and unity reflects the kind of world I want to help build. Living just two streets away from the top of Heartbreak Hill, I have cheered on Boston Marathon runners of all abilities since I was a kid. It is an honor to make my Boston Marathon debut with Team Hoyt — to merge my passions for fitness and community by dedicating every mile to a mission that celebrates the power of “Yes You Can.”
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
I strongly believe in being of service to others, and I find great value in helping other people achieve their goals. Adaptive athletes are some of the most inspirational people you will ever meet, and supporting them in crossing the finish line is one of the most fulfilling feelings you can have.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
For years, I’ve dreamed of standing on the Boston Marathon starting line, knowing that every mile I run would be for something greater than myself.
A friend sent me a video of Dick & Rick Hoyt that moved me to my core and from the moment I watched it, I felt deeply inspired to contribute to this cause.
This cause means so much to me, and through my fundraising, I hope to honor the Hoyt legacy while helping create a more inclusive world for people of all abilities.
Helping others and bringing happiness to people has always been my life mission which is why running for The Hoyt Foundation feels so deeply personal. This incredible organization opens doors for athletes with disabilities, giving them the opportunity to experience the joy, dignity, and fulfillment that come from participating in sports and achieving their dreams.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
I want to run for team Hoyt because they are the best team out there and they are able to give back and help the community. My affiliation to team Hoyt is by family! Dick is my grandfather and Rick is my uncle and they inspire every step of my run. When my grandfather could no longer push Rick in races, I had the honor of stepping behind the chair. Rick and I were always close but that experience we shared changed my reason for running. I now know the answer to every challenge is YES YOU CAN!
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
After running the 2025 Falmouth Road Race with Team Hoyt, I knew I wanted to continue supporting their mission. I grew up in Massachusetts playing sports in a big ice hockey family, and athletics have always been a meaningful part of my life and identity. Team Hoyt’s message of resilience, inclusion, and opportunity truly resonates with me, and I’m honored to run in support of a mission that reminds us that sport is for everyone. Running the Boston Marathon has long been a personal dream of mine, and I’m incredibly proud to take on my first marathon while carrying forward the incredible legacy of Dick and Rick Hoyt.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
I am a mom and avid fitness enthusiast who values resilience, consistency, and growth. My sobriety journey has shaped how I approach life — with gratitude, intention, and a deep appreciation for staying active and showing up fully.
Running has always been about more than miles; it’s about strength, inclusion, and purpose. I joined Team Hoyt for the Boston Marathon because their story embodies unconditional support and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to cross the finish line. Representing Team Hoyt is a reminder that every step forward can help create opportunity and inspire possibility for others.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
I love the message of inclusivity for ALL kids. Dick and Judy Hoyt were so inspiring as parents. They were always advocating for their son Rick, and supporting his dreams regardless of his differences. I myself, have a child with a disability, and would go to the ends of the earth to make sure he is able to be involved in anything he wants to be, so that he has the same opportunities to gain confidence, skills, and friendships as any other child. I also grew up with a Dad who inspired me through his work doing animal therapy at United Cerebral Palsy. He led by example to always treat everyone with the same kindness and respect no matter their difference or disability. I aspire to follow in the steps of Dick and Judy, and also my father, by running for The Hoyt foundation.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
I absolutely love the work that The Hoyt Foundation does! My sister has Down Syndrome and I grew up wishing she could have more opportunities. She has been my biggest inspiration for a lot of the work I have done. It is incredible how successful people can be, given the opportunity. Team Hoyt helps provide those opportunities and it is amazing to see the strength and drive of people who typically wouldn't get these opportunities. I am very proud to be a part of this experience and I can't wait to be blown away by these athletes! I have also done a lot of work with an organization called The Ability Experience, which has very similar goals to Team Hoyt.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
I was blessed to meet Dick in November 2017 and my special needs son, Luke, and I began racing soon after that. Meeting Rick at the BAA 5K in 2023 was the highlight of my Boston Marathon experience. It's my goal to push Luke in Boston when he's age eligible. I am a Hoyt Foundation Ambassador and recently wear my my tie-dye Hoyt singlet proudly! Luke and I run with Team Hoyt Arizona and just completed our first marthon together. I want to inspire other families to imagine what their YES YOU CAN moments might look like!
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
I’m excited to be part of something truly special running with Team Hoyt and fundraising for The Hoyt Foundation. This incredible charity supports athletes with disabilities, ensuring they have the opportunity to compete and thrive. As I fundraise for this worthy cause, I am inspired by the courage and perseverance shown by so many.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
Dick and Rick Hoyt’s story of perseverance, determination, and inclusion inspires me every day, and I’m honored to run in support of The Hoyt Foundation this year. I grew up knowing their story and watching the Boston Marathon every year. It wasn’t until this past August, when I had the opportunity to fundraise and run the 2025 Falmouth Road Race with Team Hoyt, that I learned even more about their journey and accomplishments. I experienced how powerful it is to run for something bigger than myself while raising money and awareness for a cause I am passionate about. Inspired to get even more involved, and I am now excited to represent Team Hoyt in the 2026 Boston Marathon!
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
I’m running for Team Hoyt in honor of my mom, who has cerebral palsy (CP). In 2020, after a bout of illness, her CP went from something she could mostly hide from the world to being at the forefront of her life. Watching her rebuild over the past six years has given me so much respect for folks with CP and their loved ones, and an appreciation for how empowering safe, accessible sport can be for them. It means a lot for her (and me!) to give back to the CP community, especially for kids to have resources she didn't.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
Hi everyone! I'm excited to share that I’m racing in the Boston Marathon and raising funds for The Hoyt Foundation, Inc. This organization supports individuals with disabilities, helping them to experience the thrill of running and racing. By donating, we can make a difference in their lives and promote inclusion and positivity through sports. Let's come together to support this incredible cause and show that everyone deserves the joy of running! All we can ask for is the opportunity, and in this way, we are giving others the chance to be in the race.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
Team Hoyt has inspired me for as long as I can remember. In May 1983, my four-year-old brother Taft was hit by a car and suffered a severe brain injury. Taft was never able to talk or walk again and for six years lived wheelchair bound. As a young child, I can remember standing by Taft's side cheering on the runners in the Falmouth Road Race, watching closely to catch a glimpse of Dick and Rick Hoyt as the father and son duo represented what a possible future for Taft might be. However in 1989, Taft died in his sleep at the age of 10. As the years passed, I have become an avid marathon runner and although I was never able to push Taft in a race, I have always carried his memory with me. This year I will run the Boston Marathon for Team Hoyt raising funds for the Hoyt Foundation and in memory of Taft Morris, Dick and Rick Hoyt.
WHY I'M RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT:
Since I was a young kid getting into running, I’ve been fascinated by the story of Rick and Dick Hoyt. I was lucky enough to grow up along the Boston Marathon course and had the opportunity to watch them race firsthand on multiple occasions. Later in life, my mom and I began running in the Hoyt races held each year, and it was truly amazing to see the community come together around such an inspiring cause and group of people.
When I decided to run the Boston Marathon, I knew I wanted to do it for a cause I genuinely cared about, and the Hoyt Foundation made that possible. Throughout high school and college, I worked with children with disabilities, and seeing the joy on their faces when they were able to participate in sports and activities—just like other kids—was incredibly meaningful.