Rick Hoyt, who became a Boston Marathon fixture with father pushing wheelchair, has died at 61

BOSTON (AP) — Boston Marathon fixture Rick Hoyt has died at the age of 61. Hoyt and his father, Dick, were a well-known at the race. Rick Hoyt was in a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy. Dick Hoyt pushed his son in a wheelchair through the course 32 times. His family says Rick Hoyt died of complications with his respiratory system. Dick Hoyt died two years ago. Together, they participated in more than 1,000 races, including duathlons and triathlons. In 1992 they completed a run and bike across the U.S. that covered 3,735 miles (6,010 kilometers) in 45 days. A statue of father and son was erected near the Boston Marathon’s starting line in Hopkinton.