Over 5,000 miles from his favorite race course in Boston, Dave McGillivray took part in the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
It was his 10th — and final — attempt in the world’s most famous triathlon.
As an official ambassador for the event, one of road racing’s most diligent competitors completed the brutal 140.6-mile event — a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run — in 15:09:21.
“I celebrated my 70th birthday a few weeks ago, and I never imagined I’d still be doing an ‘Ironman’ 44 years after my first one. It wasn’t my best Ironman time but it might be my most satisfying to participate in,” said McGillivray.
“My goal was to reach the finish line in good shape and that is exactly what I did.”
McGillivray, who has been race director of the Feaster Five for more than 30 years, participated raising money for his Finish Strong Foundation, which promotes health and fitness for all, particularly children.
“Even more than any athletic feat I’ve ever completed,” he said. “The good work of the foundation is the legacy I hope to leave.”
McGillivray has previously completed the Ironman World Championship in 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2014 and 2024.
His athletic resume also includes an 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, completing the World Marathon Challenge (seven marathons in seven days on seven continents,) a 1,250 mile run along the U.S. East Coast in 1980 to benefit the Jimmy Fund, a 24-hour run (120 miles,) a 24-hour bike (385 miles,) and a 24-hour swim (27 miles).
McGillivray triathloned around the six New England states by swimming one mile, biking 80 miles and running 20 miles every day for 32 consecutive days.
He also has run 169 full marathons, including 52 consecutive Boston Marathons. Over the span of his life, he estimates he’s run more than 160,000 miles.
His wife Katie McGillivray made the trip with him to Hawaii.
McGillivray is now turning his athletic attention to completing his 53rd consecutive Boston Marathon in April.
“This is really a tough, tough event, a true test of endurance,” said McGillivray. “It’s nice to be home and it’s time to get ready for the Feaster Five.”