Rick Hoyt, an iconic wheelchair racer who completed the Boston Marathon 36 times has sadly passed away at the age of 61.
The legendary racer first began in 1977 when he and his father, Dick, competed in races around the world, where Dick would push his son's wheelchair.
As reported by BBC News, Rick was born with cerebral palsy, meaning he had to use a computer to communicate and was unable to use his arms and legs.
His interest in racing began when Rick told his father that he wanted to be part of a five-mile benefit run in honor of a lacrosse player who was tragically paralyzed.
Rick reportedly told his father: "When I'm running I don't feel handicapped."
The father and son duo would complete their first Boston Marathon in 1980, and their finale would come in 2014 after completing it a staggering 36 times.
A statue of the father and son was erected in 2013 near the start line to immortalize their efforts, and Dick sadly passed away in 2021.
The Hoyt Foundation announced Rick's death with a heartfelt tribute and also confirmed the cause of his tragic passing.
"It is with profound sadness that the Hoyt Family announce the passing of our beloved brother and uncle, Rick Hoyt this morning. Rick was 61-years-old. Rick passed away due to complications with his respiratory system," the foundation said.
The post went on: "As so many knew, Rick along with our father, Dick, were icons in the road race and triathlon worlds for over 40 years and inspired millions of people with disabilities to believe in themselves, set goals and accomplish extraordinary things. Rick was also a pioneer in education.
"His mother Judy Hoyt changed the laws allowing her son to be educated alongside his non-disabled peers."
This coming Saturday (May 27) a memorial run named the "Yes You Can" race set up by the Hoyt Foundation will take place in Rick's memory.
The five-mile road race in Massachusetts sets off at 10:00 AM local time and it's sure to be an emotional event as people flock to pay tribute to the legendary racer.
The Boston Athletic Association penned: "Rick Hoyt will always be remembered as a Boston Marathon icon and for personifying the 'Yes You Can' mentality that defined Team Hoyt [...] We are fortunate to have been able to call Rick a friend, mentor, pioneer, and Boston Marathon finisher."
The association gives out an award each year under the Hoyt name to someone who has displayed "the spirit of team Hoyt through advocacy and inclusion".
Speaking to CBS News, Rick's brother, Russ, said that people inform him on a regular basis how the inspirational story of his brother and father helped them turn their life around.
"They started to run, they started to make an effort to do something to make their life better because they were inspired by them," Russ said.
He added: "I tell you, I think what he [Rick] is doing now, is he finally got out of that wheelchair and he's pushing dad in the race now."
Rick's nephew, Troy, added: "Ever since I was younger just watching them cross the finish line year after year for the Boston Marathon, I was like you know what I'm going to do that one day."
Our thoughts are with Rick's loved ones and all those he inspired during his incredible life.
