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Click to view gentlesavage's profile Amateur 25 posts since
Feb 10, 2005

Apr 17, 2006 12:49 PM

Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division

I was watching Boston on t.v. when the wheelchair division started. There is something I don't understand about certain "runners" and that is those that need someone to push them. I think it is perfectly commendable to run the marathon in a wheelchair if you are pushing yourself but if someone else is pushing you where is the glory in that? The person doing the pushing might feel a sense of self importance but what is gained? And why not let people push baby strollers in the race? "My baby can't race himself so I must give him the opportunity" Silly you say. He will grow up and get his chance. But what if he wouldn't grow up? Shouldn't I be allowed to push him in the race? But isn't that why there are people who race in honor of loved ones? Where do you draw the line without seeming callous? I think if you can race on your own either on feet or in a wheelchair you should be allowed. Anyone else have opinions?
Click to view Coastwalker's profile Legend 394 posts since
Aug 14, 2007
1. Apr 17, 2006 1:19 PM in response to: gentlesavage
Re: Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division
I'm not sure, but I suspect you might be talking about Dick Hoyt and his son. The son (can't remember his name) has some form of severe cognitive disability, but he loves to be in the race. Dick has been pushing him in long and short races all over New England, has pushed him in the Boston Marathon for more years than most mere mortals have run it on their own. Dick works his butt off in every race, just because he loves his son. Even with pushing his son's chair, Dick is a talented and competitive athlete. Both of these gentlemen are an inspiration to anybody who sees or meets them. IMHO, they can race anywhere they want.

Jay
Click to view rlemert's profile Legend 250 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
3. Apr 17, 2006 4:22 PM in response to: gentlesavage
Re: Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division
I don't believe the Hoyt's get a free ride to any event they enter, which includes at least a couple of IronMans. They've been running Boston for something like 23 years straight, and I think they've earned the right.

There is a major article about them in the latest Runner's World.
Click to view HDH's profile Legend 335 posts since
Aug 19, 2007
5. Apr 17, 2006 9:33 PM in response to: gentlesavage
Re: Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division
The Hoyts' story is significantly different than someone pushing a baby stroller. Learn the story and how the son feels as if he is not bound by his crippled body when he is in those events with his father.

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hdh[/URL" target="_blank">
Click to view maryt091's profile Legend 806 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
6. Apr 18, 2006 6:17 AM in response to: gentlesavage
Re: Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division
quote:<HR>Originally posted by gentlesavage:
Truthfully, what kind of inspiration is the son? SHould someone say, "Wow, he got a free ride in the Boston Marathon. What an inspiration!"<HR>

Perhaps you should have read up on the Hoyts before spouting off.

http://cbs4boston.com/seenon/local_story_105224944.html[/URL" target="_blank">

http://www.runnersworld.com/events/boston06/Mag_hoyt.html[/URL" target="_blank">
Click to view mainerunnah's profile Legend 902 posts since
Aug 14, 2007
7. Dec 21, 2007 2:57 PM in response to: gentlesavage
Re: Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division
.FREE RIDE? As maryt said in an earlier post you most certainly should have read up on the Hoyts before posting.

When they first started running races they were turned away and looked down upon. Dick not only qualified for his first Boston by running the Marine Corps Marathon but he did it while pushing his son "Rick" and qualified with a time that was good enough to qualify under his son's age group! I believe his time this year at age 65 was a most respectable 3:43:27!

Dick and Rick are truly an inspiration to me and I have been proud to run along side them on many occasions. The love, courage and devotion that they have displayed is simply awe inspiring to say the least.

FREE RIDE?I think not!


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"Keep on Running"

Bob

http://This message has been edited by bobscamman (edited Apr-18-2006).
Click to view merigayle's profile Legend 1,586 posts since
Aug 15, 2007
8. Apr 18, 2006 7:06 AM in response to: gentlesavage
Re: Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division
Wow. This is one of the most ignorant posts I have ever read in Just Running. The Hoyts are amazing, their feats are amazing, the work they do is so commendable. I find them to be inspirational. I have seen them in Boston many times (me as a spectator) and the crowd always goes crazy when they come thru.
Please read about them and learn about them and their feats. I believe they qualify for Boston.
Click to view PeterP002's profile Pro 102 posts since
Mar 13, 2001
9. Apr 18, 2006 1:46 PM in response to: gentlesavage
Re: Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division
Troll topics should be moved to the Clubhouse.
Click to view merigayle's profile Legend 1,586 posts since
Aug 15, 2007
11. Apr 19, 2006 6:50 AM in response to: gentlesavage
Re: Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division
Why does the wife not think the Hoyts should run the Boston marathon or do the Kona Ironman? I think him pushing his son in a wheelchair is different than pushing a baby in a stroller.
Click to view brianmcg123's profile Pro 75 posts since
Jan 18, 2006
12. Apr 19, 2006 3:14 PM in response to: gentlesavage
Re: Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division
quote:<HR>Originally posted by merigayle:
Why does the wife not think the Hoyts should run the Boston marathon or do the Kona Ironman? I think him pushing his son in a wheelchair is different than pushing a baby in a stroller. <HR>


Doing it once or twice is one thing. But Mr. Hoyt let it take over their lives, he has run all over the world with his son. This led to their divorce.

She is really worried that something could happen to Dick Hoyt, falling off the bike, having a heart attack etc., and that could severly injure their son.
Click to view merigayle's profile Legend 1,586 posts since
Aug 15, 2007
14. Apr 20, 2006 6:35 AM in response to: gentlesavage
Re: Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division
quote:<HR>Originally posted by brianmcg123:
Doing it once or twice is one thing. But Mr. Hoyt let it take over their lives, he has run all over the world with his son. This led to their divorce.

She is really worried that something could happen to Dick Hoyt, falling off the bike, having a heart attack etc., and that could severly injure their son.

<HR>


I am not sure this directly led to the divorce, but I'd rather see them out there racing and traveling and inspiring people than putting the son in a home and leaving him there to rot inside all day and night. I'd take the risks over the alternatives.