Dave McGillivray's Golden Boston in Photos

On April 18, Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray added to his list of lifetime achievements by running his 50th Boston Marathon. It was his 35th night run after becoming part of the event’s production team in 1988.

“It’s hard to put it into words” what it means to have run the event for a half century, he told reporters. But through that time, and especially since the bombing of the marathon in 2013, Dave McGillivray has become a hero to many fellow race directors around the world.

His personal and professional perseverance has exemplified that no matter how big the challenge, the race must go on. In 2019, McGillivray had a triple bypass performed on his heart. Six months later, he ran his 47th Boston.

Since words don’t do it justice, we wanted to share a few of Dave’s personal photos from his 50th anniversary Boston Marathon. They celebrate the spirit of the sport, and the incredible spirit that is our industry’s living legend: Dave McGillivray.

Two of Dave’s five children, Luke and Elle, ran with him during the 50th marathon.

The finish: Dave’s kids Ryan, Max and Chloe held the finish line break tape.

State Police troopers once again escorted Dave and his fellow runners along the entire course, keeping them safe. “The run was flawless and the smoothest ever,” Dave said.

Among running legends: “We all arrived at the finish line to the cheers of literally hundreds of friends including Boston Marathon winners Meb Keflezighi (pictured), Kathrine Switzer, Joan Samuelson, Amby Burfoot and Bobbi Gibb.”

“My friend Sean Ryan presented me with a poster of my grandfather as we were passing by the Evergreen Cemetery where he is buried. It was 51 years ago that I dropped out of the race near this spot. That’s when I vowed to come back and do it again and for the rest of my life.