MARCH 2026

ISSUE 2

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT - STACEY HICKS

We launched Team Hoyt Denver with big dreams but little idea of what

we could accomplish.

This inaugural year didn’t just meet our expectations. It blew them away.

Our board and volunteers built a strong vision and foundation. Then sponsors and donors generously stepped forward, believing in our mission and our ability to deliver on it.

The milestones tell a powerful story:

We grew from 1 rider athlete to nearly 20
We built a team of over 30 passionate volunteer runners
Our sponsors and donors funded 13 racing wheelchairs
A very special family funded our cargo trailer
Our runner and rider athletes logged 604 miles – the equivalent of 23 marathons

Beyond the milestones, we've proven that when people come together with open hearts united by a shared mission, incredible things happen.

Thank you to every rider, family member, caregiver, runner, volunteer, sponsor, and donor who helped make these milestones possible. You are the reason this community is thriving and why we're so excited for what lies ahead.

RIDER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

ROCCELLA ADAME

Meet Rider Athlete #1 – Roccella Adame. In February 2025, Roccella and her parents arrived at Stacey’s house as she rolled the first Team Hoyt Denver racing wheelchair out of her garage. They were excited and curious - would the chair be comfortable and would Roccella enjoy it?

Roccella’s participation in the first race and her reaction said it all – the joy, the excitement, and the thrill of crossing the finish line.

From that moment on, Roccella and her family became an integral part of Team Hoyt Denver. Her dad, Ricardo, joined the board and the entire family has been passionate supporters ever since.

Roccella represents the leap of faith it takes to try something new, the courage to trust and the magic that follows. We are deeply grateful to Roccella and her family for believing in us – and for helping to create a thriving, joyful community.

RUNNER SPOTLIGHT

MARK LEHER

Mark Leher has completed 10 marathons, including the iconic Boston Marathon, and could have continued focusing on his personal records. Mark works in technology, a field he loves, but one that can sometimes feel removed from direct human connection. That’s part of what drew him to Team Hoyt Denver – his chance to use his strength and passion for running in a way that truly helps people and builds meaningful relationships along the way.

Mark joined the team halfway through our 2025 season and quickly jumped in, participating in three races. Though known for his speed, Mark is quick to say that pace doesn’t matter when he’s on the course with a rider. What matters is the experience they share – hearing the cheers, swapping stories and laughing. For Mark, Team Hoyt Denver is about connection, joy and making sure every rider feels the thrill on race day.

MISSION MOMENT

LISA & JAXSON GALLEGOS

At Team Hoyt Denver, our mission is simple and powerful: To champion inclusion in running races and empower athletes of all abilities through the joy of racing, teamwork and the shared thrill of crossing the finish line.

One of our duos that exemplifies this mission beautifully is Lisa and Jaxson Gallegos.

Jaxson races with his Gigi, his grandmother Lisa, who proudly pushes him. Together, they share an unmistakable bond built on love, joy and a deep connection that shines every time they roll up to the starting line.

Behind every race day moment is a strong circle of support. Jaxson’s grandfather, Anthony, transports Team Hoyt Denver’s racing wheelchairs while his mom, Amanda, cheers from the sidelines. Their dedication helps make these moments possible

Jaxson experiences the world differently than his peers, but he radiates a joyful spirit that touches everyone around him. On race days, he takes it all in – the cheering crowds, the rhythm of runners’ footsteps and the shared energy on the course. He waves his arms and hums with delight.

Together this remarkable duo embodies everything Team Hoyt Denver aspires to be: inclusive, joyful and united in the belief that everyone deserves to feel the magic of race day.

EVENT HIGHLIGHT

2025 TEAM CELEBRATION

At Team Hoyt Denver’s 2025 celebration event, more than 50 rider athletes and their families, runners, volunteers and sponsors gathered to connect and celebrate how far we’ve come together.

Attendees captured memories at a photo booth, created friendship bracelets and made cheer signs for our races in 2026. We watched the new Team Hoyt Denver video, beautifully produced by Fernando Narvaez Flores and Ricardo Adame.

We awarded Mileage Pins to our most consistent athletes, with the following athletes receiving the 25 mile pin: Sarah Kelley, Harper Kelley, Lisa Gallegos, Jaxson Gallegos and Sarah Holt.

The celebration was a reflection of who we are: a community built on inclusion, friendship and the shared thrill of crossing finish lines together. Thank you to Chuck Talley, Event Manager, and Sarah Holt, Rider Athlete and Social Chair, for putting on an amazing event.

VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER

FERNANDO NAVAREZ FLORES

This quarter we are thrilled to recognize Fernando Narvaez Flores as Team Hoyt Denver’s Volunteer of the Quarter.

Fernando is an incredibly talented video producer who leaped at the opportunity to help, when he learned his cousin Ricardo’s daughter Rocella was on the team.

Fernando and Ricardo poured their hearts, and well over 100 hours, into creating a video that truly captures the soul of Team Hoyt Denver. Ricardo spent hours in the field filming rider athletes, families, runners, sponsors and volunteers. Fernando shaped that footage into a powerful story that honors our legacy while showcasing who we are today.

The finished video beautifully connects the legacy of Dick and Rick Hoyt with the vibrant community that is Team Hoyt Denver. It inspires, educates and reminds us all why inclusion matters so deeply.

Fernando’s generosity, talent and heart have given Team Hoyt Denver a story that will serve our community for years to come. We are profoundly grateful for his commitment, creativity and dedication to our mission.

Watch the Video

COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF INCLUSION

LONNIE SOMERS

From the moment we connected with Lonnie Somers, his answer was always the same,

“Yes, we’ll make it happen. “

Lonnie is President and Owner of HAL Sports and was the Race Director at many of our races in 2025. Lonnie consistently went above and beyond to make inclusive racing possible for our athletes.

From the generous shout-outs at the start lines to the Colfax Marathon race weekend, where he secured a spot for our cargo trailer, reserved parking for all our athletes with disabilities and ensured we had a dedicated accessible restroom, his can-do attitude made our race day experiences fantastic. Lonnie we are so grateful for your partnership and support.

CURRENT NEEDS & WAYS TO HELP

Team Hoyt Denver is growing fast and your support will help us to keep the momentum going.

Race with us!

We're a fun group and race days are magical. Come join us on the course!