Longtime Boston Marathon Race Director Honored By Celtics

BOSTON, MA — Longton Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray, a Medford native and North Andover resident, was honored recently by the Boston Celtics as one of the Heroes Among Us.

McGillivray, who also is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, motivational speaker, author and athlete, was presented with the award during the Celtics' March 31 game against the Utah Jazz at TD Forum.

The award, according to the Celtics, honors individuals who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others.

According to the Celtics, in McGillivray's 36 years as the Boston Marathon race director, the race has developed beyond a competition and into a fundraising platform for countless charities.

McGillivray said it was just a thrill receiving the award at a Celtics game.

"As a young boy growing up in Boston, all I ever wanted was to become a professional athlete. Our community's rich sports culture inspired me and laid the foundation for the life I have today," McGillivray said. "To be on the court here at TD Garden rounds out my own personal local sports venue 'triple crown,' having run on the field in Fenway Park and at Foxborough Stadium in the past. I'm so grateful to the Celtics for this honor and I feel as dedicated as ever to positively impacting the lives of people in Boston and beyond."

McGillivray is the founder and president of DMSE Sports, a full-service event-management organization. In addition to his work on the Boston Marathon, McGillivray has directed or consulted on more than 1,400 events throughout the world, including the Olympic Marathon Trials and the Olympic Games.

Additionally, McGillivray is the founder of the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, which seeks to inspire and empower youth across New England and beyond to increase physical activity, expand literacy and build community and self-esteem through running, reading and performing acts of kindness.

McGillivray also is a motivational speaker, who has given more than 1,400 motivational talks throughout the U.S. and abroad, and he is the author of four autobiographical books meant to inspire readers of all ages.

As a runner, McGillivray first gained notoriety in 1978 when he completed an 80-day, 3,452-mile trek from Medford, Oregon to Medford, Massachusetts to raise money for the Jimmy Fund.

McGillivray also has completed the World Marathon Challenge (seven marathons in seven days on seven continents), nine Ironman Triathlon World Championships and run 165 full marathons, including 50 consecutive Boston Marathons.