Dave McGillivray
Race Director
Boston Marathon
Boston, MA USA
“I felt an inherent responsibility and obligation to help those who were less fortunate.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationDave McGillivray
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Always wanted to be an athlete, but was picked last, cut from teams because he was so short; got into running because "no one can cut you."
Entered Boston Marathon at age 16; his grandfather said he'd meet him at mile 24; Dave collapsed at mile 16 or 17, was taken to the hospital.
Called his grandfather, who said, "Well, you learned...I'll be there next year waiting, but you've gotta train this time."
His grandfather passed away two months later-this inspired him to train like crazy, but he got a stomach virus the night before the race.
Still attempted to run even though he was sick, sat down at mile 21, realized he was sitting right in front of cemetery where his grandfather was buried.
His grandfather had lived up to his commitment to be there; to honor that, he dragged himself across the finish line; vowed to run the race every year.
Visited Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; wanted to do something special for them; ran across the country in 80 days to raise funds for them.
Finished the cross-country race at Fenway Park in front of 32,000 people who gave him a 10-minute standing ovation.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Race Director
I ran across the US for charity and direct and organize the annual Boston Marathon.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Sports
Being Physically Active
Hurdles
Challenges I Overcame
Physical Issues
Interviewed By
Manchester - Boston
En route to Manchester, New Hampshire, the Roadtrip Nation team sits down with Dean Kamen, an inventor and founder of DEKA Research and Development. Next it's off to Boston to interview Bert and John Jacobs, founders of the clothing company Life is Good. In Boston they interview Dave McGillivray, a Boston Marathon runner who, in 1978, ran across the entire United States.
