Boston Prepares for Marathon by Giving Dave McGillivray Fresh Coat of Paint
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Depositphotos/Maaatin, wikimedia
Officials are preparing for the 128th Boston Marathon, set for Monday, April 15, by giving longtime race director Dave McGillivray a fresh coat of paint, according to a statement from the Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the event.
McGillivray, 69, has been the marathon’s race director since 2001; before that, he was the event’s technical director. In addition to his work duties, he has also run 51 consecutive Boston Marathons. This year, he intends to run number 52.
“That’s a lot of wear and tear,” read the statement. “And, of course, over the course of a year Dave really starts to fade, due to exposure to the elements.”
“So once a year, we give him a top-to-bottom cleaning and a new coat of paint, so that on race day he’s as bright and fresh on the outside as he is on the inside.”
The statement said that the process takes about four hours and includes a careful scrubbing, washing, and rinsing, followed by a layer of primer and two coats of exterior latex paint.
For the 100th Boston Marathon in 1996, the statement noted, McGillivray also got a special “sparkle” paint blend, with blue and yellow glitter, and a protective clear coat.
“This year, though, Dave will get the usual,” it said. “On race day, he will look like new.”
