BY MIKE ECKERT
TRAVERSE CITY -- As someone who took 80 days to run across the country back in 1978, it was fitting that Dave McGillivray's arrival in Traverse City was a long time in the making.
McGillivray spoke at the Hagerty Center on Friday as part of the 13th annual Bayshore In Training program.
Traverse City Track Club and Traverse City State Bank Bayshore Marathon organizers locked in McGillivray -- the Boston Marathon race director and an accomplished runner in his own right -- to speak at the event about two years ago.
"He's not just a race director, he has a story to tell," Bayshore race director Bryan Burns said. "It affects everyone and it's a good message."
McGillivray talked to a group of more than 100 about his trials and tribulations as a runner.
"Everything in life is personal," McGillivray said. "It's up to you. It's my game, my rules. That's how I've always lived my life."
That's the mindset that led McGillivray to run from coast to coast in 1978, a journey that took 80 days and 3,452 miles.
McGillivray has continued to build an impressive running resume. He's finished a 2:29 marathon, competed in Ironman Triathlons and done 24 hour runs.
"My greatest accomplishment is the next one," McGillivray said. "The past is the past. What are you planning to do now? For the future?"
In addition to being the longtime Boston Marathon race director, he also has done a lot of public speaking.
"Most have nothing to do with running," he said, adding that he's made 1,500 appearances. "I've spoken to every conceivable group you could imagine."
While McGillivray spoke to the group about his accomplishments and experiences, he didn't minimize the feats of others.
"Any one of you could stand up here, and your story would be just as interesting as the person's sitting next to you," he told the audience. "We all have a story."
The event was the annual kickoff for the Bayshore Marathon, which has already sold out for the full and half events.
"I think we have a hidden gem here that's not so hidden anymore," Burns said. "We're becoming known as an endurance and fitness hub in Michigan."
While McGillivray's appearance was booked years in advance, the group doesn't have any future speakers lined up. However, Burns said they're starting to consider names for their 30th anniversary, which is two years away.
