Dave McGillivray is the current race director of the Boston Marathon and has increased the self-esteem of millions of people through his work as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, motivational speaker, author, and athlete. Dave is best known for his athletic feats including his 80-day trek across the United States, running the 3,452 miles from Medford, Ore., to Medford, Mass. in the summer of 1978 to benefit the Jimmy Fund. In addition, he’s received great acclaim for directing or consulting on more than 1,400 events throughout the world including the Boston Marathon, the Olympic Marathon trials, and the Olympic Games.

His running resume includes completing the World Marathon Challenge (seven marathons in seven days on seven continents,) nine Ironman Triathlon World Championships, a 1,250 mile run along the U.S. East Coast in 1980 to again benefit the Jimmy Fund, a 24-hour run (120 miles,) a 24-hour bike (385 miles,) and a 24- hour swim (27 miles.) He triathloned around the six New England states by swimming one mile, biking 80 miles and running 20 miles every day for 32 consecutive days. Dave has run 167 full marathons, including 51 consecutive Boston Marathons. Over the span of his life, he estimates he’s run more than 160,000 miles Dave is the founder and president of DMSE Sports, a full-service event-management organization, providing a full range of event and race production, management, and consulting services to support events of all sizes. Dave is also 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.

Dave is the author of four books: The Last Pick, Dream Big: A True Story of Courage and Determination, Running Across America: A True Story of Dreams, Determination, and Heading for Home, and Finish Strong: Seven Marathons, Seven Continents, Seven Days.

He has been inducted into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame, the Running USA Hall of Champions, and the Road Runners Club of America Long Distance Running Hall of Fame. He’s been named to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center’s 2011 100 list and Runner39’s World’s 50 Most Influential People in Running list.

Dave is a graduate of Medford High School and Merrimack College. Dave was born and raised in Medford, and now resides in North Andover, Mass. He is married to wife Katie and has five children: Ryan, Max, Elle, Luke, and Chloe.