RUN GLOUCESTER! 7-MILE ROAD RACE ORGANIZED BY BOSTON MARATHON'S DAVE MCGILLIVRAY
Registration continues at www.rungloucester.com for Aug. 21 road race along ocean in historic Cape Ann
GLOUCESTER, Massachusetts — Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray says runners who participate in this year’s Run Gloucester! 7-Mile Road Race on Sunday, August 21 will enjoy one of the most scenic road races in the country – with more than five miles of ocean views in New England’s most famous seaport.
“It’s one of the most picturesque race we manage, just spectacular scenery nearly every step of the way,” said McGillivray, whose firm DMSE Sports directs the BAA Boston Marathon, the upcoming July 4 Harvard Pilgrim 10K at Patriot Place in Foxborough, Mass., the sold out TD Bank Beach to Beacon 10K in Maine and the recent Run for the Dream Half and 8K in Williamsburg, Va.
Registration for the race, created by DMSE Sports and now in its second year, is ongoing at www.rungloucester.com.
McGillivray, who ran across the U.S. for charity – twice – and manages more than 30 races a year, recently shared some thoughts about Run Gloucester! 7-Mile Road Race, his work and the value of running. View a video of Dave discussing the race.
Q: What are your thoughts heading into the second year of the Run Gloucester! 7-Mile Road Race?
A: I feel like we had a successful inaugural race, lots of positive comments from runners, strong support from the town, almost 1,000 runners taking part. Now we’re trying to build on that success to establish this road race as a real can’t miss event for runners across New England.
Q: How did you end up creating a new road race in Gloucester in the first place?
A: We wanted to produce a new DMSE-owned event, looked at the August race calendar with the TD Bank Beach to Beacon followed by the Falmouth Road Race, and decided it would be unique to add a third major seaside road race. We looked for a coastal town and it was DMSE’s Ron Kramer who came up with Gloucester. Ron showed the course to me and I knew right there we had the makings for something special.
Q: How does managing an event like this one stack up against something like the Boston Marathon?
A: Although Boston is a major event, given the experience of the staff, the Organizing Committee and all the volunteers, and the number of years we’ve been doing it, it isn’t overly difficult to organize. It’s just a lot of work. Creating first-time events can be a greater challenge, that is, producing an event from scratch, from nothing. I was pretty anxious to get the first year over with. Now we have a better sense of what we’ve got and it’s a great race.
Q: How has the Gloucester community been in its support of the race?
A: The community was and continues to be very supportive of the race, which is the most important ingredient for a successful race.
Q: What is the best way to prepare for a race like the Run Gloucester?
A: Probably no different than most, just make sure you are at a fitness level where you can cover the 7-mile distance.
Q: Do you suggest running every day to get ready or several times a week?
A: Depends on initial fitness level, however, consistency is key so running at least five days a week is recommended. Simply put, anyone training for the race should set a goal, develop a plan to reach that goal and then stick with it.
Q: What are the advantages to a course like Gloucester?
A: The Gloucester course is a rolling, loop course with incredible, inspiring ocean views. It doesn't get any better than this course.
Q: What is the best part of the course, in your opinion?
A: The start and finish by the Fisherman’s Memorial statue and of course the sections with ocean views.
Q: Will there be prize money this year?
A: Yes, to be determined.
Q: Does the race need volunteers and if so, in what areas?
A: Yes, the race welcomes anyone willing to volunteer. Go to our website at www.rungloucester.com and sign up!
Q: Were there spectators along the course last year?
A: Yes, many residents came out of their homes to cheer on the runners and the start/finish line was crowded with family and friends. It was really amazing.
Q: How is this year shaping up - anything new?
A: Registration continues online at www.rungloucester.com – we’re hoping more folks from nearby towns come over to Gloucester to run this course. We’re trying to improve upon last year's success.
Q: What motivates you to run in a race - any suggestions for folks considering Gloucester?
A: Running helps raise self-esteem and self-confidence in everyone who engages in it. I began running when I was 12 when I didn’t make the basketball team - haven’t stopped since – it’s been a very fulfilling part of my life.
Q: What will the race beneficiary – the Gloucester Fishermen Athletic Association (GFAA) – do with the money it receives, if you know?
A: Funds raised by the GFAA will be used to help finance the refurbishing of Newall Stadium. It’s a great organization and very deserving.
Q: What is the long-term goal/vision for the Run Gloucester event?
A: Ideally, we want this race to become the last leg of a major, national-class, three-race Triple Crown summer series here in New England.
Q: If you can get one thing right when directing a race, above all else, what would that be?
A: It's all about the course, getting the course right...runner-friendly, minimize local impact, involve community, aesthetically appealing, not too complex to manage or for the runners to negotiate.
Q: How do you know, what are the clues, that an event has been a success?
A: The immediate positive comments from runners are a sure sign, plus positive comments from the local community. We received a lot of positive feedback our first year, so we’re looking to replicate that on Aug. 21.
Q: You’ve run a lot of different marathons and road races in your career on courses throughout the U.S. and around the world, how does this course stack up and what aspects of the course stand out?
A: The out-and-back layout of the course is so convenient, plus it’s a relatively flat, rolling course with these beautiful ocean views that just can’t be found at many other races anywhere.
Q: Some of the views along the Run Gloucester! 7-Mile Road Race course are just breathtaking. In your experience, does the beauty of a course matter to runners?
A: Is it critical? Maybe not. But I think it certainly enhances the whole experience. I think a lot of runners will tell you when they’re out there pushing their body, part of the exhilaration and motivation comes from their surroundings. That’s why runners seek out scenic spots to train. Who doesn’t like the idea of running along the ocean?
Q: Anything else about the race you'd like to share?
A: Hoping everyone who loves running as I do signs up at www.rungloucester.com!
The Run Gloucester! 7-Mile Road Race also features a Kid’s Fun Run the morning of the race. This year’s sponsors include the Gloucester Times, North Shore 104.9 and Addison Gilbert Hospital. Others who wish to be a race sponsor this year may contact Alan Steinberg, Sponsor/Event Consultant at DMSE Sports, Inc., 561-676-3531 or by e-mailing him at alan@dmsesports.com.
For additional information on this year’s race, visit the race website at www.rungloucester.com. Also, find the race on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RunGloucester.
Founded by McGillivray in 1981, DMSE Sports, Inc. is a leader in sports event management, specializing in creating, marketing and producing mass participatory athletic events throughout the U.S. and abroad. McGillivray has produced or consulted on more than 900 events throughout the world, including 24 Boston Marathons; 13 TD Bank Beach to Beacons, the 2004 and 2008 USA Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials, the 1990 Triathlon World Championship, the 1998 Goodwill Games Triathlon, and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. For more info, visit www.dmsesports.com.