He enthusiastically and unselfishly shares his in-depth knowledge and expertise with staff and volunteers while instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment within each and every person with whom he interacts. The needs of the runner, spectator, sponsor, and volunteer all come together in a delicate balance at Beach to Beacon. This winning formula, along with a beautiful Maine Seacoast, aided in the 33 percent growth that the race experienced in its second year. The field size is now capped at 4,000. The event also includes a children s 1K race, brainchild of McGillivray, which included 400 runners this year.
Every event has at least one unanticipated glitch - big or small.
McGillivray has an uncanny ability to visualize an entire event and to anticipate critical issues. His ability to remain calm, display leadership skills and act fast are often more essential to the overall success of the race than his event management skills. McGillivray s greatest challenge was to create a race worthy of the reputation of Olympic great Joan Benoit Samuelson. Indeed Samuelson chose the right direction when she asked McGillivray to take part in her vision. While comments like this are flattering, they also serve to make this Race Director of the Year work even harder to improve the 2001 race.