Boston Marathon Race Director Makes Things Run Smoothly, Then Runs
BOSTON (CBS) - Running the Boston Marathon can't be easy. Running in the race isn't easy either.
In the past, there were two waves of runners. Dave McGillivray, the Boston Marathon race director, explained that three waves of 9,000 runners each will give them more room to compete.
"We feel that by going with a third wave, and making each wave a little less amount of people, it will be more efficient and the runners will have a better experience," said McGillivray.
WBZ-TV's David Wade reports.
Registration for the race filled up in just 8 hours this year. In the past, it took weeks. Starting next year, the fastest qualifying runners will be able to register first.
"Well, what we're gonna try to do is create a registration process based on ability level. So, those who run the fastest to qualify will be able to enter first to guarantee that those people have earned the right to be here absolutely get in," said McGillivray.
For many marathoners, Boston is "the" marathon to run. Starting in 2013, all qualifying times will be lowered by five minutes.
McGillivray not only organizes the race, he runs in it.
"This is my 39th year running in the marathon...I'm just very lucky to be able to do both: run in it, and run it," said McGillivray.
