Winning duo Jacob Wyman (left) and Brendan Aylward cross the finish line at the 2024 Hoyt memorial race.

Runners and walkers of all abilities will have a chance to support the Hoyt Foundation at its road race in Hopkinton this May.

The third annual Team Hoyt Memorial Yes You Can Run Together race will be held on May 24, starting at the Marathon School. 

“It should be a really great day,” said Russ Hoyt, President and CEO of the Hoyt Foundation. 

Racers have the option to enter the 5-mile run or the 2-mile walk. Both courses make their way past the Team Hoyt statue by the Town Common and finish at EMC Park. After the race, participants are invited to gather at EMC Park for more fun.

Post-race events this year include a beer garden hosted by Start Line Brewery, food, a race for kids and awards and prizes.

This year’s race has a goal of raising $10,000 to fund the Dick & Judy Hoyt Yes You Can Inclusion Grant program. The grant is intended to “provide the same opportunity for people with disabilities that our mother and father gave to Rick,” Russ Hoyt said.

Funds raised are used for everything from racing chairs to other equipment people with disabilities need for competing in a wide array of sports. Hoyt mentioned examples of athletes the grant has helped, including competitive surfers and horseback riders.

The hope is to allow people with disabilities the same opportunities Rick Hoyt had to pursue their passions, according to Russ Hoyt.

Rick Hoyt and his father, Dick, began running races together in 1977. Rick, who was quadriplegic due to cerebral palsy, wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit for a lacrosse player who had become paralyzed due to an accident, according to the Hoyt Foundation website.

Although they almost finished last in their first race, they stuck with running, eventually racking up over 1,100 races in their 40-year career together. Dick Hoyt passed away in 2021 from a heart condition, and Rick Hoyt died in 2023 as a result of respiratory complications.

Posing for a photo at the 2024 Hoyt race include (from left) runner Becca Pizzi, former Boston Bruins star Zdeno Chara, runner Shannon Bueker and Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray.

Russ Hoyt says his foundation’s annual run honors both his father and brother. The 5-mile course is an homage to that first race Dick and Rick Hoyt ran together in 1977. The race also recognizes the “spirit of inclusion” the pair fostered over their running careers, showing that  people with disabilities could have access to the same opportunities as those without.

It also is supported by a wide range of sponsors. Advanced Wheels, Wegman’s, Hopkinton Center for the Arts, Hockomock YMCA, Start Line Brewery and more have thrown their support behind this year’s race.

Russ Hoyt is hoping for a robust turnout this year. He anticipates about 500 runners will take part in the event, and he says that all are welcome.

“We’d love it for people to come out and celebrate that spirit of inclusion,” he said.

Registration runs until May 23. Participants can sign up online, and the Hoyt Foundation will be hosting a registration event at Start Line Brewery from 4-7 p.m. on May 23. The field size is limited, so those interested in participating are encouraged to sign up early. 

Registration for the run is $40 per person, and $35 for the walk. The kids race is free. More information can be found on the Hoyt Foundation’s registration page.