Meet our runners

Alyssa Vereneau

OCCUPATION:
Physical Therapist

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“I am a physical therapist and a I am very passionate about inclusivity, so seeing a father help his son be an avid part of something as amazing as the sport of running was so inspiring to me.”

RACES COMPLETED:
2017 Hartford Marathon, October 14, 2017: 4:07
2018 Hartford Marathon, October 13, 2018: 4:0-
2019 Hartford Marathon: October 12, 2019: 3:57
2021 Hartford Marathon: October 9, 2021: 3:51

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/alyssa-vereneau-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Bobby Blasche

OCCUPATION:
Biotechnology

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“Team Hoyt represents the embodiment of perseverance. My unborn child was recently diagnosed with Noonan's Syndrome and I feel compelled to raise awareness for all of those who may not physically have the capabilities to run, but mentally and emotionally power all of those who do.”

RACES COMPLETED:
I have run several Half Marathons with a best finishing time of 1:41:00.

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/bobby-blasche-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Emma Soto

OCCUPATION:
Physical Therapist

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“I became a physical therapist because I wanted to help individuals live their lives to the fullest despite any impairments they may have. Dick and Rick have inspired people across the nation to do the same and to not let themselves be defined by their diagnosis. It would be an honor to run for Team Hoyt and to carry on their legacy by pushing myself to new limits.”

RACES COMPLETED:
I ran the Columbus 1/2 marathon on October 17th, 2021 and finished in 2 hr and 12 minutes.

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/emma-soto-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Kate Kepler

OCCUPATION:
Occupational Therapist

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“I am an Occupational Therapist for an inpatient rehabilitation facility at a hospital in Cincinnati OH. I love what I do and I am inspired by my patients on a daily basis. I am always drawn to people that defy society's expectation due to their intellectual or physical disabilities. I am always inspired by the people like Team Hoyt who defied the odds and its amazing how Dick Hoyt embodied that ideal that everyone is worth a chance and everyone deserves something special no matter what.”

RACES COMPLETED:
Indianapolis Full Marathon- November 2019 (4:44)
Flying Pig Full Marathon (Virtual COVID 2020- 5:05)

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/kate-kepler-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Kathleen Hehn

OCCUPATION:
Registered Nurse

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“The marathon in Hopkinton became one of our treasured family traditions, and part of that tradition was seeing Rick and Dick Hoyt cross that starting line. It always used to give me chills to see such an example of selflessness and love, and still does. As I grew up I also became a runner, and I even ran the Hoyt 5k with my track coach in high school, and loved being able to be a part of the Hoyt legacy.”

RACES COMPLETED:
Chicago Marathon, 10/10/2021, time: 4:51:20.

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/kathleen-hehn-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Maria Ehrlich

OCCUPATION:
Stay home mom

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“I want to fundraise and run for Team Hoyt. In so many ways, I too, run with my son who has a disability. I want to be part of an organization that can and will make a difference in society.”

RACES COMPLETED:
My son, Brandon, and I ran:
Chicago Marathon
New York City Marathon
Philly marathon in less than 6 weeks under 5:25 in time.

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/maria-ehrlich-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc-43821/

Matt Paxton

OCCUPATION:
High school teacher track and cross-country coach 27 years

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“I met Dick Hoyt several times but in 2014 I talked to him for a good while. I always considered it a highlight of my Boston trip to see Dick and Rick. When I heard Dick had passed and I qualified this year I decided to try to honor him and his family by running for the foundation as a thank you for the many years and the many things he did to make sure the disabled have been more included in everyday life and events despite their disabilities.”

RACES COMPLETED:
Over 50 ultras and marathons. Including:
Columbus marathon 2021 3:12
Athens marathon 3:02 2012 3:16 2003
Wv almost heaven 3:28 1990 (first one)
Greenbrier river trail marathon 3:23 2021

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/unioto-distance-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Matthew Straw

OCCUPATION:
Inside Sales Representative

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“This is truly a cause I want to get behind. Running the Boston Marathon for others, rather than just for myself is very important to me. I also plan on pursuing involvement with Team Hoyt apart from representing them in the Boston Marathon (getting involved in year-round fundraising efforts, races, etc). I could not be more passionate about running for a Charity Team and I strongly believe that I will be a great and lasting addition to Team Hoyt and their Marathon Team.”

RACES COMPLETED:
Track and Cross Country for Groton Dunstable Regional High School

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/matt-straw-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Ryan Hoyt

OCCUPATION:
College Student

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“I want to run for Team Hoyt because I strongly believe in what the organization stands for. Team Hoyt aspires to show America's disabled young people they can do anything they want to if they believe in themselves no matter who they are through inclusion in all facets of daily life. I have been around Team Hoyt my whole life as I am Dick’s grandson and Rick’s nephew.”

RACES COMPLETED:
This will be my first marathon.
My brother Troy and I pushed Rick together in a 5K in Sturbridge.

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/ryan-hoyt-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Troy Hoyt

OCCUPATION:
Heavy equipment operator

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“A long, long time ago I was born into the family by the current president of the Hoyt Foundation. I want to run this year so I can raise even more money for the foundation! Rick and I now run in short races together to honor my Grandfather.”

RACES COMPLETED:
Boston Marathon October 11th 2021. My time was 3 hours 57 minutes

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/troy-hoyt-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc-43392/

Pauline November

OCCUPATION:
Transition Manager

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“I want to run for Team Hoyt because of my love and passion for inclusion! I have dedicated my life to supporting those with disabilities through a variety of different experiences. I currently work for Best Buddies and work with high school students with disabilities. I teach pre-employment skills such as how to advocate for the accommodations they may need, job readiness skills, and career exploration. I love supporting people with disabilities and think they have so much to offer the world when given the chance.”

RACES COMPLETED:
I ran the virtual Boston Marathon in 2020. My finish time was 4 hours and 50 minutes.

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/pauline-sydney-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Nate Kuder

OCCUPATION:
Chief Financial Officer – Boston Public Schools

RUNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“I first learned about Rick and Dick Hoyt when I was maybe 9 or 10. I was watching a special on the Ironman that highlighted the father/son duo. I remember being amazed at their strength. I started attending the Boston Marathon in the late 90s. My favorite part - when I would cheer as loudly as I could until getting too choked up - was when I saw Team Hoyt run by. I've only become a runner over the last few years. I'm not overstating when I tell you that on my hard days, when I don't want to run and my legs don't want to move, I think of Dick Hoyt. If he can do it pushing his son, I can do it pushing only myself. I'll be thinking of them as I climb heartbreak hill...my heart full of inspiration.

RACES COMPLETED:
This will be my first marathon.

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/nathan-kuder-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Kai Terada-Herzer

OCCUPATION:
Credit Analyst

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
Although my father was born with a foot-related birth defect, he still played D3 baseball at Whitin College. I have always admired his perseverance, along with the courage and determination of all disabled athletes who choose to compete despite any physical disadvantages. Dick and Rick's story is incredibly inspiring, and I can't help but draw parallels between their relationship and my own relationship with my father (only with the roles reversed). And although I have some ground to cover before getting anywhere near 1,000+ races completed, I hope to start at a square one, while keeping Dick, Rick and my father in mind, by running the Boston Marathon.

RACES COMPLETED:
This will be my first marathon.

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givegain.com/ap/kai-terada-herzer-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Akash Rana

OCCUPATION: Student

RUNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“I am good friends with Ryan Hoyt who is also running for Team Hoyt this year. I have always dreamed of running the Boston Marathon, and there would be no better way than helping raise awareness of Team Hoyt and accomplishing my goals. It will help make my training meaningful by running for a cause, especially a cause that I have some ties connected to it.”

RACES COMPLETED:
Cambridge Half Marathon (11/19/2017)
I finished in 1 hour and 44 minutes

Run to Remember Half Marathon (05/28/2017)
I finished in 1 hour and 38 minutes

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/akash-rana-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Andrea McCollem

OCCUPATION:
Behavior Specialist (BCBA) Melrose Public Schools

RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
“My older brother has a disability and growing up with him I was able to spend time with many different children and adults with various disabilities. Because of my brother’s (and his peer’s) positive influence on me I went on to work as a paraprofessional at a collaborative school. I was inspired to get my master’s in special education, and I have continued to work with children with all types of needs and disabilities since. Because of my brother and my students, past and present, I feel a very strong connection to all individuals with disabilities. I always want to encourage and support them in any way I can.”

RACES COMPLETED:
Boston Marathon October 2021 4:26:04

FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/andrea-mccollem-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/

Team Hoyt Memorial Race

Saturday May 25 | 10:00am | Hopkinton MA

5 mile run to honor the distance of Dick & Rick's first race together

2 mile walk to show that "twogether" we can all participate

Virtual participation option if you cannot attend event in person

Volunteer opportunities available

REGISTER HERE!

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