Bobcat Bolt

About Josh and Nate:

Josh inspired all of those who witnessed his courage and attitude toward life. Joshua Hardy died in 1993 after a courageous 18-month battle with brain cancer. Josh was full of hope, art, humor and courage - and the cancer that cut his life short never succeeded in taking these great gifts of personality from him. Nor did the cancer ever stop him from inspiring these elements in his friends and family. Josh was a standout athlete on the soccer field at Oyster River, and although he was talented at traditional sports, he had a deeper passion for skateboarding and surfing. He was an artist in so many ways and his life continues to inspire and influence all of those who knew him.

Nate inspired untold thousands in a life dedicated to service to his country and his family. Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer Nathan H. Hardy, was killed while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Feb. 4, 2008. Nate dreamed of becoming a Navy SEAL from a young age. Through his years on the soccer and lacrosse fields at Oyster River High School, he discovered and developed the fierce competitiveness and team-first mentality that would later serve him so well on his road to achieving that goal. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy and achieved his dream. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals, three Good Conduct medals, two National Defense medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Sea Service deployment awards, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Medal and the Sharpshooter Pistol Medal. In 2005, while attending the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., Hardy married the love of his life, Mindi Buck. In 2007, Mindi gave birth to their son, Parker Hall.

Nate lived his dream both at work, where he served his country with extraordinary honor and superior bravery in the fight against terrorism, and at home, where he was a devoted husband and father.
Here is Matt Renner’s moving tribute to his friend:

These two brothers were the best of Durham’s youth. And on May 15th, 2010 at 8am - we will run to remember and honor them. The proceeds from this day will be donated, in Josh and Nate’s names, to The Oyster River Teen Initiative, to help improve the experience of the future youth of the area.

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How The Bobcat Bolt came to be…

On an emotional and sad night after Nate Hardy’s funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, on February 15, 2008, many friends gathered in Washington D.C. Under such tragic circumstances, the profound and positive impact of Nate’s life led to a coming together - a galvanizing of unity within our community. There was even gratitude, albeit melancholy, that in the stark face of grief and sudden loss, we had a wonderful community for strength and support.

There were conversations about trying to bring people together more often – to celebrate our community and remember Nate.

Months later, friends and family came together again to honor Nate’s service to his country and to remember his extraordinary life. An overflowing memorial service in Durham at the UNH Field House was a testament to Nate’s impact, both in his hometown community and beyond.

Once again, there was a palpable gratitude for the loving community that makes up Durham and the surrounding area. These conversations grew into action and a vision.

The Bobcat Bolt is a part of the vision to bring our community together, annually, to remember Nate and Josh, and to help support the future of our community – the youth of the Oyster River School District.

It is our hope, that The Bobcat Bolt and the Oyster River Festival (held after the Bolt) will help us all remember Nate and Josh - and inspire us to “come home” and interact and be a part of the community we come from. We hope by running together we can honor Nate’s life of extraordinary service and bravery and remember Josh’s lesson of hope and courage.

The Bobcat Bolt is a run to remember and honor them. And we run to benefit the Oyster River Youth Initiative in the name of Josh and Nate.

Hope to see you there,

The Bobcat Bolt organizers