3rd-generation Hoyt runs Boston Marathon beside thousands of eager runners
Despite the fallen leaves, the autumnal chill in the air, fewer spectators and a near empty Town Green, the Boston Marathon returned to the historic 26.2-mile course Monday. And there will be a new face representing one of the event's most famous families.
“We were super pumped and excited to finally have it back. Back to the way it used to be,” said Karen Dow of Hopkinton.
The locals are not the only ones who waited anxiously for the day to finally arrive.
Some of the runners actually qualified for Monday’s race back in 2019.
“I was supposed to run this last year. This is my 2020 race qualified years ago. We had to wait a while but I’m glad to be here,” said Seth Vircks of Wisconsin.
It was also a bittersweet morning for Troy Hoyt and his dad, Russ. Troy Hoyt ran his first marathon in memory of his grandfather and Boston Marathon legend Dick Hoyt who passed away in March.
“I don’t have one single word to describe the feeling going through my whole body right now,” he said. “When I cross the finish line, I know he’ll be there with me. Just looking forward to it.”
“My dad gave me energy. I passed it along to him. Now he’s going to run it,” Russ Hoyt said.
Rick Hoyt, 59, Russ's brother and Troy's uncle, announced his retirement from the event last week.
Troy Hoyt finished his run in 3:57:06.
The 2022 Boston Marathon is expected to return to the traditional date on Patriots' Day in April.