Story Courtesy of YMCA

Running legend Dave McGillivray brought his inspirational Dream Big initiative to the Merrimack Valley YMCA Methuen Branch, to motivate children of all ages to engage in kindness, physical activity and a love of reading.

McGillivray, of North Andover, is known for his many athletic feats which include running across the United States in 80 days – a total of 3,452 miles. He also completed the World Marathon Challenge – running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days – and has finished the Boston Marathon 52 consecutive times.

Through his Finish Strong Foundation, McGillivray created the Dream Big Challenge, where kids get the chance to complete three big goals: running 26 miles, reading 26 books and performing 26 acts of kindness. This program is designed to help children develop a positive relationship with reading, physical activity and good citizenship.

“Set goals, not limits,” McGillivray recently told 100 school-age youth at the Methuen YMCA which also included students who attend Y afterschool programs in Lawrence and Andover. “Have the guts to believe in yourself. And know that there is no such thing as individual achievement – your family, your parents, siblings, coaches, teachers are all here to help you meet your goals. It’s a team effort and be appreciative of your team.”

The Merrimack Valley YMCA students, from both the childcare program and the Y’s after-school program, received copies of McGillivray’s children’s books, “Dream Big” and “Running Across America.”

The Y students will work with Y staff to implement the Dream Big challenge and plan to have McGillivray come back once they complete the program.

“This is a great way for children in our programs to think big and achieve a big goal,” said Francis J. Kenneally III, Merrimack Valley YMCA president and CEO. “What I love about Dave’s challenge and his foundation is that this is not easy, but it’s doable. I’m excited to see how our staff inspires our students and see them go for it.”

The Merrimack Valley YMCA Methuen branch serves more than 120 children per day in preschool and afterschool care. In addition, the Y has four childcare sites in Andover, Lawrence and Boxford, caring for 900 children annually.

Students will aim to complete 2 miles, read two books and complete two acts of kindness per week, starting in the New Year, working to complete the challenge by April 2025.