Dave McGillivray

Athlete | Entreprenuer | Philanthropist | Author

*100% of proceeds go to the DMSE Foundation, which supports non-profit programs that promote overall health in children and adults.

Everyone has a story to tell. For Dave McGillivray, it was his strong desire to be an athlete that led him to run across the country in 1978 at age 23. The finish of that run led to the start of countless other journeys and challenges. McGillivray is unique in that he is both an accomplished athlete and an accomplished businessman. He knows what it takes to complete an endurance event and also the painstaking detail and management that go into a successfully run event, from a 40,000-person marathon to a 500-person charity walk.

That 80-day trek across the United States led to a life of pushing himself both mentally and physically. McGillivray is now race director of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon and has directed many of the country's most prestigious races. He addresses people with a motivational account that is not about running…it’s about what’s possible if you believe in yourself and your own ability to do the seemingly insurmountable.

Athletic highlights and accomplishments

• In 2018, I completed the World Marathon Challenge (7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents).

• In 1980, entered the Hawaii IRONMAN TRIATHLON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP and finished 14th. I was the 30th person to have ever completed an Ironman. I completed the event again in 1983-1989, 2014, for a total of 9 times.

• Completed a 24-hour run (120 miles); a 24-hour bike (385 miles), and a 24-hour swim (27 miles)

• I've run 162 full marathons, including 49 consecutive Boston Marathons.

• For my 12th birthday and every one since, I've run my age in miles

• Marathon personal best: 2:29:58

• Ironman personal best: 10:36:42

Other highlights and accomplishments

• I've served as race and technical director of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon for 34 years.

• Valedictorian of my high school (Medford High) and college (Merrimack College)

• Co-authored several books: The Last Pick, published by Rodale Press; and three children’s illustrated books: Dream Big, Running Across America, and Finish Strong, published by Nomad Press, Inc.

• 2011 USA Triathlon Hall of Fame inductee

• Runner’s World 2007 Hero of Running.

• Directed or consulted on more than 1,400 events throughout the world.

• Given more than 1,900 motivational talks throughout the U.S. and abroad.

• Established the DMSE Foundation raising funds for various children’s charities.

• Tapped to oversee the logistics of the Massachusetts COVID-19 mass-vaccination sites at Gillette Stadium, Fenway Park, Reggie Lewis Center, and Hynes Convention Center and helped to vaccinate 1.2 million people.