Troy Hoyt of Nashua competing in the 2021 Boston Marathon. Courtesy photo
NASHUA – Honoring the memory of his grandfather and uncle, Troy Hoyt, 26, of Nashua, crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon for the fourth year on April 15 with a time of 4:18:18.
Hoyt’s grandfather, Dick Hoyt and uncle Rick Hoyt competed in marathons and Ironman triathlons from 1977 to 2014.
Born with cerebral palsy, Rick was pushed in a wheelchair by his father Dick as the duo took on the Boston Marathon 32 times. They were ultimately inducted into the Ironman Hall of Fame and received the Jimmy V Award from ESPN.
Dick passed away in 2021 and Rick passed two years later.
“I run for my family’s charity, The Hoyt Foundation, and every year we have a team entered in the Boston Marathon with at least 15 runners on it,” said Hoyt.
Speaking about the race itself, he said getting through the infamous Newton Hills was particularly difficult.
“The crowd and energy pulled me through,” said Hoyt.
He said the best part of the race was at Mile 25 where the course enters Kenmore Square in Boston.
“One of the banners on the street had a picture of my grandfather and uncle Dick and Rick Hoyt on it and that gave me the final boost I needed to cross the finish line,” said Hoyt.
Hoyt said preparation for the marathon begins five months ahead of time.
“We run on our own during the week and then every Saturday leading up to the race,” he said. “We meet in Boston at the Prudential Center and run on the course.”
Hoyt said he began running when he was in middle school and drew on inspiration from his grandfather and uncle.
“I really enjoy running, it allows me to test my endurance and physical fitness and I really like racing,” he said.
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