Dream Big – A True Story of Courage and Determination

Dave is a small kid who wants more than anything to be a

professional athlete. But there’s a problem. You have to be tall to

play basketball and big to play football. And Dave? He’s little.

Dream Big is a touching story of rejection, determination, a

beloved Grandpa, a Boston Marathon attempt, a Boston Marathon

failure, and the good advice that finally got him to the finish line!

Reader Testimonials

“Don’t let any challenges you have hold you back!”

Matt Damon

Actor, film producer

“Dave McGillivray’s life story, fueled by running, inspires us to reach new heights and follow our passions.”

Marty Walsh

Mayor of Boston

“Dream Big is an amazing story of one little boy’s dream to be successful. Not only did he become successful himself, he has motivated and challenged thousands more to dare to dream and dare to make those dreams come true!”

Sunita Lyn “Suni” Williams

Astronaut, & United States Navy Officer

“A compelling tale that will move everyone to chase any big dream in their heart, no matter how unlikely success seems.”

Diana Nyad

Author, journalist, motivational speaker, long-distance swimmer

“We are not defined by our size or any challenge or limitation. Who we truly are is who we choose to be. This book is proof that Dave’s life and story are an inspiration!”

Sean Astin

Actor, star of Rudy, a movie about an athlete who was told he was too small to play college football

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Our Team

Dave McGillivray

Author

Race director of the iconic B.A.A. Boston Marathon. He is the co-author of The Last Pick: The Boston Marathon Race Director’s Road to Success. A world-renowned athlete, entrepreneur, speaker, and philanthropist, Dave lives in North Andover, Massachusetts, with his wife, Katie, and he is the proud dad of Ryan, Max, Elle, Luke, and Chloe. In addition to running 3,452 miles across the United States in 1978 to raise money for The Jimmy Fund of Boston, Dave has run in every Boston Marathon for the past 45 years and has completed the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championship nine times. He is the president of DMSE Sports, Inc., an event management company that has produced or consulted on more than 1,000 races around the country and the world. Dave was named by Runner’s World Magazine as one of the top 50 most influential people in running.

Nancy Feehrer

Author

Teacher and writer. She lives in Westford, Massachusetts, with her husband, John. They are the proud parents of Derek, Nate, Tim, and Izzie.

Ron Himler

Illustrator

Award-winning artist who has illustrated more than 100 books for children. His work also appears in fine art galleries throughout the Southwest. Ron lives near Tucson, Arizona.

A True Story of Courage and Determination