Boston's Dave McGillivray named a hero of running 2007 by Runner's World
Posted Wednesday, 7 November, 2007
Boston, MA—B.A.A. Boston Marathon® Race Director and DMSE Sports President, Dave McGillivray, has been named a 2007 Hero of Running by Runner’s World Magazine.
“He’s an endurance-running machine, a tireless philanthropist, and one of the best race directors the world has ever seen,” says Runner’s World’s Editor-at-Large, Amby Burfoot in the magazine’s December issue. McGillivray and other heroes are described as “defying expectations, breaking barriers, and leading future generations.” Runner’s World officially presented McGillivray with the award in New York City on November 3, the day before the running of the 2007 ING New York City Marathon. DMSE Sports (www.dmsesports.com), McGillivray’s event management company is helping to coordinate various aspects of the start of this year’s New York race.
McGillivray began running track at the age of 12, and hasn’t stopped running since. He is perhaps the original, “Forrest Gump.” As an athlete, he is best known for his groundbreaking run across the United States from Medford, Oregon to his hometown of Medford, Massachusetts in 1978. He covered 3,452 miles, and raised thousands of dollars for the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. McGillivray has completed eight Hawaii Ironman Triathlons; 121 marathons, including 36 consecutive Boston Marathons. He has run up the East Coast of the US; completed a 24-hour run; a 24-hour bike ride; and a 24-hour swim, all for charity. In addition, McGillivray commemorates his birthday by running the number of miles that correspond with his age. What began with 12 miles at age 12 will be a 54-mile run on his next birthday.
“I’ve always felt there is no such thing as an individual award,” says McGillivray. “Even though I’m the recipient, I know it’s been made possible because of those who have supported me. It’s those people who are my heroes.”
As an event director, McGillivray is best known for directing the B.A.A. Boston Marathon; the Marathon of the Palm Beaches; TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10k; the Denver Marathon; the 2004 Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials and next year’s 2008 Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials.
Running is the tool McGillivray uses to set and achieve goals, motivate others, maintain health, both mental and physical and most notably give back to the community. McGillivray established The DMSE Children’s Fitness Foundation to support other non-profits whose efforts are directed at solving the epidemic of childhood obesity, uniting the dedication and commitment of those who believe that every child deserves a chance at a healthy future.
McGillivray’s extraordinary story has been told in, “The Last Pick” (Rodale Press, 2006). He lives in North Andover, Massachusetts with his wife, Katie and four children.
Additional background on McGillivray’s athletic and event management achievements can be found at www.dmsesports.com.
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