Josh Hoey’s Dad Built a Track at Their Home During the Pandemic. Here’s How It Brought the Family Closer (Exclusive)

Josh Hoey’s Dad Builds a Full-Size Track at Their Family Home

During the pandemic lockdown, many families found ways to bond and stay active together. For the Hoey family, this meant embarking on a unique project that brought them closer than ever. Josh Hoey, a 25-year-old runner who recently clinched gold in the 800m race at the World Indoor Championships in China, shared an exclusive insight into how his family managed to stay connected during challenging times.

Fran Hoey, Josh’s father and a former track runner at La Salle University, came up with an innovative idea to build a full-size track at their family farm just outside Philadelphia. With limited access to training facilities due to lockdown restrictions, Fran saw an opportunity to create a space where his sons, Josh, Jonah, and Jaxson, could continue their training. Josh explains, “There was no access to facilities or anything, and we have a farm on the outside of Philadelphia where there was a big enough plot of land.”

The ambitious project took approximately six months to complete, with the family working together to level out the land and navigate through various regulations. Despite the challenges, the end result was a fully functional track that now serves as a training ground for the entire Hoey family. Josh describes the track as a “tremendous undertaking” but one that has proven to be incredibly rewarding. He recounts how the family spends hours running on the track, sometimes engaging in double sessions that last up to six hours.

Running has always been a significant part of the Hoey family’s life, with Josh reminiscing about early memories of running with his parents and brothers. He mentions how his parents instilled in them the values of discipline and endurance through regular family runs, even on holidays like Christmas Eve. These shared experiences have not only shaped Josh’s approach to running but also fostered a deep appreciation for the sport and for his family.

Having a dedicated track at their disposal has not only allowed the Hoey brothers to pursue their track dreams but has also reinforced the strong bond they share. Josh views the track as a symbol of their collective love for running and each other, noting that it has played a crucial role in their individual and collective successes. As the brothers continue to chase their track aspirations, having a home track has undoubtedly been a blessing for the entire family.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Hoey family’s track project stands as a testament to their resilience, determination, and unwavering support for one another. What started as a simple idea to maintain their training routine evolved into a significant project that has brought them closer together both on and off the track. The Hoey family’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of unity, perseverance, and a shared passion for a common goal.

In a world where uncertainty and isolation became the norm, the Hoey family’s story shines as a beacon of hope and resilience. Their dedication to each other and their sport exemplifies the strength that can be found in familial bonds and shared passions. As Josh and his brothers continue to chase their dreams on the track, their family’s unwavering support and their home-built track will undoubtedly remain as pillars of strength and inspiration along their journey.