Team Hoyt: Our History and Legacy
In 1977, Rick Hoyt, a young boy with cerebral palsy, unable to walk or speak on his own, asked his father, Dick, if he could participate in a local 5-mile charity race.
Though Dick was not a runner and had never participated in a road race, his answer was “Yes You Can”, and he agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair for the 5-mile distance. They finished near last, but Rick’s excitement wasn’t dulled by how they placed. That night, he told his father, “Dad, when I’m running, it feels like my disability disappears.”
Dick was inspired by his son’s words and in that moment, Team Hoyt was born.
What began as one local community race grew into an extraordinary journey spanning the globe. Together over nearly four decades, Dick and Rick completed more than 1,100 endurance events worldwide, including six Ironman Triathlons races and 32 Boston Marathons. Through their participation, they broke barriers, challenged assumptions, changed perceptions and proved to the world – and those that doubted them – what individuals with disabilities could achieve when given the opportunity to fully participate.
Dick and Rick inspired millions with the simple yet powerful message of “YES YOU CAN” , and their athletic achievements encouraged others to look beyond limitations, embrace possibility, and achieve what once seemed out of reach.
Their legacy continues today through The Hoyt Foundation, which advances inclusion for individuals with disabilities and helps create opportunities to live, learn, work, and play alongside their non-disabled peers, particularly through the YES YOU CAN Inclusion Grants Program.
Join the Movement
Today, Team Hoyt athletes help carry forward the spirit of Dick and Rick through participation in endurance events that raise awareness and funds for the Foundation’s mission to advance inclusion for individuals with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers.
Running with Team Hoyt means joining a community connected by purpose, inclusion, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate. Whether you are interested in a local race or an international marathon, we continue to grow our race offerings for athletes who want to make an impact while pursuing their own personal goals.
Want to run with us? Those interested in becoming a Team Hoyt athlete are encouraged to complete our Athlete Interest Form which helps us learn more about your running goals and ensures you hear about our race opportunities as they become available.
Additionally, we invite you to follow us on social media (links below) where we also share important news and updates – including when race bibs become available!
For more info or any questions, please contact Amy Pepe at amy@teamhoyt.com.
Become an Ambassador
Want to show your support for Team Hoyt outside of our own team running events? Join the Ambassador Program and receive a Team Hoyt ‘Swag Bag’ full stylish gear that you can sport at your own community activities, athletics events, and sporting games to spread awareness of our mission of inclusion.
As an ambassador, you can earn points for sharing photos of yourself with your Team Hoyt gear to your social networks and receieve perks such as more fun gear and other special prizes!
