The Last Pick First .... McGillivray Celebrates 52nd Birthday with a Marathon Celebration
On Saturday, August 26th, Dave McGillivray, race director of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, directed an extremely personal ultra marathon event along the route of the historic Boston course, yet it was a field of just two runners.
Posted Tuesday, 29 August, 2006
McGillivray ran the BAA Boston Marathon route from Boston to Hopkinton and then back again to cover a total distance of 52.4 miles in just about 11 hours. WHY? It was a way to commemorate the arrival of his 52nd birthday which was August 22. A seemingly out of the ordinary way to “celebrate” such an occasion, yet running the same miles as his age is something McGillivray began at age 12 when he ran 12 miles around his hometown of Medford, Mass. This year marked the 40th anniversary of this tradition.

Joined by friend and “mental” coach, Josh Nemzer, McGillivray set out on the first 26.2 mile leg of their journey at 4 a.m. Saturday morning. They began from the finish line of the BAA Boston Marathon and ran to the start line in Hopkinton, Mass. where they were greeted by McGillivray’s brother and father. Then it was back to Boston. The two runners stopped for approximately four times at Dunkin Donuts which proves that new slogan that “America runs on Dunkin!” One friend rode along for at least 13 miles by bike, while another cheered them on via bullhorn during this unconventional birthday “party.”
McGillivray didn’t break any course records; however, he did make personal history by continuing this personal commitment. In The Last Pick (Rodale Press, 2006), McGillivray talks about this tradition and countless other extraordinary personal and athletic achievements which he hopes will inspire others to achieve their own goals. 100% of McGillivray’s book proceeds go to the DMSE Children’s Fitness Foundation.
CONTACT: Linda Fechter 781-383-2268 or 781-630-0153 mlfechter@comcast.net