Dick And Rick Hoyt Preparing For 30th Boston Marathon
BOSTON (CBS) - When 72-year-old Dick Hoyt joins his son Rick at the Boston Marathon next Monday, it will mark the 30th race for the two of them.
Related: Boston Marathon Guide
Rick has cerebral palsy, but that hasn't stopped him or his father from competing in hundreds of marathons and other endurance events.
"Rick wrote on his computer, 'Dad, when I'm running, it feels like my disability disappears,' which was a very powerful message to me. Think about it - somebody that can't talk, use their arms and legs and now they're out there running, and their disability disappears?" Dick said of his continued inspiration.
In fact, in 1992, the Hoyts biked and ran across the United States in 45 days.
"(Then) we woke up the next morning, and did a triathlon," said Dick.
Rick graduated from Boston University in 1993 with a degree in special education. While Rick was in school, Dick trained by using a cement bag in his son's wheelchair ahead of the marathon each year.
Over the years, the Hoyts' best time is 2 hours, 48 minutes.
"The hardest part for us is not Heartbreak Hill," said Dick. "There's some area when we're going through Wellesley that is the toughest on my body."
