DAVE MCGILLIVRAY OF DMSE SPORTS RECEIVES PAIR OF HONORS
Renowned road race director and sports philanthropist recognized by Challenge Unlimited and Dreamfar Breakfast of Champions
Dave McGillivray (left) accepts award from Deedee O'Brien, Executive Director of Ironstone Farm.
BOSTON — Dave McGillivray of DMSE Sports, the renowned race director of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon and sports philanthropist, was honored this week by two Massachusetts organizations, Challenge Unlimited and Dreamfar Breakfast of Champions.
Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm honored McGillivray, as well as Jack and Therese O’Connor, at the organization’s 11th Annual Spirit of Giving Speakeasy Gala in Andover, Mass. on Saturday, Nov. 16. Employing horses in a working farm environment, Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm provides beneficial therapy for people with a wide range of physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities. For more info on the Challenge, go to ChallengeUnlimited.org.
"It was an honor to be recognized by Ironstone Farm. What they do is magical and I am so proud to be associated with such an amazing organization," said McGillivray, who is known for combining athletic events with philanthropy. Over $100 million collectively has been raised in events McGillivray and DMSE Sports have managed since 1981.
Dreamfar Breakfast of Champions (from left), Dave McGillivray, Jamie Chaloff, Jack Fultz, Mary Kennedy and Bill Rodgers.
In addition, on Tuesday, Nov. 19, McGillivray was honored at the Dreamfar Breakfast of Champions in Brookline, Mass. The event is a gathering of friends and supporters who believe in the importance of health, wellness and the magic of the marathon. Champions Bill Rodgers, Jack Fultz and Karen Smyers were on hand to help honor McGillivray.
"I am in awe of the achievements of these high school students - making the commitment to run a marathon, doing all the training and achieving their goal. Very, very inspiring," added McGillivray.
The Dreamfar High School Marathon (DHSM) turns the road into the classroom, challenging high school students to reach their full potential through hard work, perseverance and commitment. DHSM focuses on integrity, realistic goal-setting, teamwork, and the importance of a healthy mind and body. For more info, go to DreamFarhsm.com.
Dave McGillivray speaking at Dreamfar Breakfast of Champions.
In addition, McGillivray was one of the "legends" at the 8th Annual Hockomock Area YMCA Legends Ball Tuesday night (Nov. 19). And on Sunday, Nov. 24, he will be Grand Marshal in this Sunday's Haverhill Santa Parade in Haverhill, Mass.
Medford, Mass. native McGillivray gained national prominence with his 1978 cross country run that took 80 days and raised almost $150,000 for the Jimmy Fund – the first money any runner ever raised for a cancer charity, according to Runner’s World. He has now logged more than 150,000 miles, finished 127 marathons – including 41 consecutive Boston Marathons – and eight Hawaii Ironman Triathlons.
Even at age 59, he is still at it, completing his annual birthday run of 59 miles (he started running his birthday age in miles at age 12) in August, and running the Boston Marathon course for the 41st time 11 days after this year’s April 15 marathon.
McGillivray, who lives in North Andover, Mass., is a pioneer in what is now one of the most important aspects of the endurance sports industry – combining athletics with philanthropy. Nearly every DMSE-led or DMSE-owned event combines fitness and fundraising, giving back to the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Children’s Hospital, Lazarus House and many others charities and non-profit organizations in New England and across the country.
About DMSE Sports
Founded by McGillivray in 1981, North Andover, Mass.-based DMSE Sports is a leader in sports event management, specializing in creating, marketing and producing mass participatory athletic events throughout the U.S. and abroad. In addition to the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, DMSE manages more than 30 major road races per year, including the TD Beach to Beacon in Maine, the New Balance Falmouth Road Race on Cape Cod, the Finish at the 50 at Patriot Place, Run for the Dream in Williamsburg, Va., the Bellin Run in Green Bay, Wis., the Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race and the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, among others. For more info, visit www.dmsesports.com.