Fenway Park Marathon Returns With Successful Race Inside America’s Most Beloved Ballpark

June 4, 2026

Runners completed marathon, half marathon, and relay distances on Fenway Park’s warning track while raising funds for the Red Sox Foundation and Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation

BOSTON, MA (June 4, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Fenway Park Marathon made its long awaited return on Saturday, May 30, giving runners a rare opportunity to complete a marathon, half marathon, or team relay entirely inside America’s Most Beloved Ballpark while raising funds for the Red Sox Foundation and the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation.

Originally launched in 2017, the Fenway Park Marathon returned this year with approximately 65 runners participating across three divisions: full marathon, half marathon, and relay teams of two to five runners. Participants completed the race on Fenway Park’s warning track, with marathon runners circling the ballpark for 113 laps.

The event began in the visitors’ clubhouse, where runners were assigned lockers with their names on them and had the opportunity to see two of the Boston Red Sox’s World Series trophies. Bekah Salwasser, Boston Red Sox Executive Vice President of Social Impact and Red Sox Foundation Executive Director, welcomed participants before race director Dave McGillivray reviewed final race instructions. Runners then made their way through the tunnel to the visitors’ dugout, which served as their home base throughout the race.

Despite challenging weather leading up to the event, race conditions improved by the 5 p.m. start, creating a cool and memorable evening for runners and spectators. Family and friends cheered from the stands, music played over the Fenway Park public address system, and the Red Sox game was shown live on the center field video board.

“This was everything we hoped it would be and more,” said Dave McGillivray, founder of DMSE Sports and the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation. “There are few events where runners can say they completed a marathon inside a major league baseball park, and even fewer where spectators can watch the entire race from start to finish. The energy was incredible, the runners had a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and together they raised meaningful funds for two organizations doing important work in the community. Our hope is that this becomes an annual Fenway tradition and, who knows, maybe one day we can bring this same inside-the-park marathon concept to ballparks across the country.”

Dan Koh won the men’s marathon in 3:30:27, while Pauline Santry won the women’s marathon in 3:44:45. In the half marathon, Jacob Walker won the men’s division and Antonia Pagliuca won the women’s division.

“The Fenway Park Marathon is exactly the kind of event that captures what makes this ballpark so special,” said Bekah Salwasser, Boston Red Sox executive vice president of social impact and Red Sox Foundation executive director. “We’re proud to partner with Dave McGillivray and the Finish Strong Foundation on an experience that brings people together inside America’s Most Beloved Ballpark and raises meaningful funds for programs that make a real difference for children, families, and veterans across our community.”

Participants received finisher medals, a post-race meal in the Dell Technologies Club, and a race goodie bag that included a Red Sox hat and pin, a copy of McGillivray’s book “Finish Strong,” and a small bag of actual Fenway Park dirt. Donations are still being accepted through June 12, 2026, for those who would like to support the runners.

ABOUT THE RED SOX FOUNDATION

The official team charity of the Boston Red Sox, the Red Sox Foundation has awarded more than 7,000 grants since its creation in 2002 and focuses on making a difference in the lives of children, families, Veterans, and communities in need by improving their health, education, and recreational opportunities. Through partnerships with best-in-class organizations in healthcare, the Red Sox have helped raise over $190 million for cancer treatment and research for The Jimmy Fund, supported more than 50,000 Veterans and their families suffering from the “invisible wounds of war” with the Home Base Program, and helped the Dimock Center serve over 20,000 patients annually with health and human services. The Foundation’s self-run education and youth baseball programs have helped 385 Boston Public Schools students with college scholarships and promote healthy choices and valuable life skills to more than 1,500 youth annually through its Nike RBI baseball and softball program in Boston, Chelsea and Lawrence.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Red Sox Foundation raises funds through special events, corporate sponsorships, and grants. Founded and initially funded by Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry, Chairman Tom Werner, the late Larry Lucchino and their partners, the Red Sox Foundation has won numerous awards for the impact of its innovative programs. In 2010, the Foundation’s Red Sox Scholars program was recognized by Major League Baseball with the first-ever “MLB Commissioner’s Award for Philanthropic Excellence.” In 2009, the Red Sox Foundation was honored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Sports Philanthropy Project with the Patterson Award as the nation’s “Best Team Charity in Sports.” For more information about the foundation, visit redsoxfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE DAVE MCGILLIVRAY FINISH STRONG FOUNDATION

The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation seeks to inspire and empower youth across New England and beyond to increase physical activity, expand literacy, and build community and self-esteem through running, reading, and performing acts of kindness. Its vision is rooted in a belief that discovering a passion for physical activity, reading, and acts of kindness at a young age gives individuals self-confidence and self-respect, empowering them to move forward — one step at a time. For over eighteen years, the foundation has remained committed to preparing individuals for future success and building vibrant communities. For more information, visit www.davemcgillivrayfoundation.org.

MEDIA CONTACT

Joshua Milne
Josh@joshuamilnepr.com
(617) 501-1620