Catching Up With Medford Native, Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray

The following interview was posted on the MPS Advantage blog.

Meet Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon Race Director, philanthropist, motivational speaker, accomplished athlete and Medford High School Valedictorian, Class of 1972! From his extraordinary run across the United States to benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in 1978 to serving as technical director and now race director of the BAA Boston Marathon since the 1980’s, McGillivray has helped to organize more than (900) mass participatory events since founding his business, DMSE, Inc. in 1981.

We asked Dave 5 questions as he prepares for the running of the 120th Boston Marathon on Patriot’s Day, April 18.

What was your goal upon graduating from Medford High School?

“My goal was to pursue my passion which was health and fitness, as well as, accomplishing athletic feats. I knew, early on that I wanted to do something challenging and special and decided that running across America would be a goal.”

How did Medford High School prepare you for your future career?

“I ran cross country and track and surprisingly was named the Phelan Award winner (outstanding male athlete). That gave me the confidence and motivation to keep pushing, keep driving and believing that anything is possible.”

How did you become Race Director for the BAA Boston Marathon?

“There were some issues at the start of the 1987 race and the BAA reached out for someone to assist as technical director to help correct the issues. That technical director was me. From there, my role expanded until I was appointed Race Director in 2001.”

How do you prepare for Race Day?

“I surround myself with the most experienced and dedicated experts the industry has to offer. I manage them, and they manage the race…it is clearly a team effort”.

What would you say to the graduating class of 2016?

“Never underestimate your abilities. Always set goals and not limits. There is no such thing as failures, only learning experiences. And, if you follow your heart, you will never “work” a day in your life”.

Did you know?

– Dave graduated from Merrimack College, Class of 1976 and was again Valedictorian of his class

– In 1978, Dave ran from Medford, Oregon, to Medford MA, (a total distance of 3,452 miles) ending at Fenway Park, raising thousands of dollars for the Jimmy Fund & Dana Farber.

– In 1982, ran the Boston Marathon blindfolded (being escorted by guides) to raise more than $10,000 for the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton.

– As Race Director, Dave runs the Boston Marathon course after the race has ended.

– In 2006, Dave co-authored a book with Linda Glass Gechter, entitled “The Last Pick” which chronicles his childhood and career as the last pick for team sports because of his small stature. It motivated readers to never underestimate their own ability to set and achieve goals.

– Dave has completed (129) marathons, and competed in (8) Hawaii Ironman Triathlons. He has logged more than 150,000 miles, raising millions for worthy causes.