LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A Las Vegas running group is spreading a message of inclusion with every step and proving that running is for everybody.
Team Hoyt Las Vegas is a non-profit working to make sure everyone can experience the joys of running and crossing a finish line — no matter your physical abilities.
Athletes with disabilities are paired up with an able-bodied partner — to help them experience endurance activities, like running.
“I was able to actually run across the finish line, which was kind of inspiring,” said Team Hoyt Las Vegas athlete Erin Little. “It was the most fun I had in my entire life.”
“I was on the sidelines as someone watching their child who they never thought would participate in any athletic event, and I could hear them chanting her name and experiencing that joy and experiencing that smile on her face, and she felt included and loved and cheered on,” said Erin’s mother Eden Capsouto, President of Team Hoyt Las Vegas.
On Saturday, eight Team Hoyt Las Vegas athletes and their able-bodied running partners raced across the 5K finish line at Pittman Wash Trail, followed by an optional polar plunge.
“We had the option of jumping in the pool. Erin did not want to do that,” Eden said, laughing.
“Yeah, I didn’t because otherwise I would get freezing cold,” said Erin.
With every finish line they cross, Team Hoyt Las Vegas hopes to spread a message of inclusion and determination.
“We don’t want to set limitations,” said Eden. “She can still do this; it just looks different. She still feels it, she still gets excited, she still gets that medal… She still does it, and yes you can, she still can. It just looks different.”
Team Hoyt Las Vegas will also participate with 12 to 15 athletes in the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon in February — the largest running party on the Strip. They’ve been leading that race since 2013.
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