Running Across America

A full-color, inspiring picture book about Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray’s 3,452-mile run across America in 80 days!

As a teenager, Dave McGillivray heard a news story about a person biking across the United States. “What a great idea!” he thought. “But instead of a bike, I’ll use my sneakers!”

This is the funny, touching, true story of McGillivray’s 80-day, 3,452-mile run from Medford, Oregon, to his hometown of Medford, Massachusetts. In Running Across America: A True Story of Dreams, Determination, and Heading for Home, McGillivray tells the tale of how he braved the Sierra and Rocky Mountains, millions of grasshoppers in Nebraska, days of pouring rain in Ohio, the occasional rattlesnake, and intensely sore knees. On top of it all, homesickness and doubt are constant companions as he tries to achieve his dream of running from coast-to-coast.

And that’s not his only dream—the cross-country run is part of his goal to help kids in need. By making the run a fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund, McGillivray joins his favorite baseball team, the Red Sox, in making lives better for children battling cancer. Through 13 states, blistering heat, and being “pulled over” by a State Trooper, McGillivray relies on good friends, family, a sense of humor, and sheer determination to fulfill a dream—and to help kids who can’t run.

• A true story with lots of humor and heart, this picture book is a follow-up to Dave McGillivray’s book about the first time he ran the Boston Marathon,Dream Big: A True Story of Courage and Determination.


•Running Across America serves as the basis for McGillivray’s Dream Big "Marathon," a challenge explained at the end of the book for kids to run 26 miles, read 26 books, and do 26 acts of kindness in 26 weeks, sponsored by the Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation.


• Perfect for independent readers and as a read aloud nonfiction picture book.


About Nomad Press

Nomad Press books bring real-world figures to life through fun, engaging narratives paired with dynamic, brightly colored illustrations. Elementary-aged children are introduced to the race director of the Boston marathon through a true tale of Dave McGillivray’s cross-country run. Nomad’s unique approach simultaneously grounds kids in factual knowledge while allowing them the space to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.