MARATHON TO BE HELD INSIDE FENWAY PARK FOR FIRST TIME EVER

MASS LIVE

The closest Dave McGillivray came to running a marathon inside Fenway Park was during a 1978 continental U.S. race where he crossed the finish line inside the home of the Boston Red Sox. 

McGillivray is now behind the famous ballpark's first marathon taking place completely within the walls of Fenway, the Associated Press reports. Fifty runners will have to loop around the outfield 116 times to cover the 26.2 mile race.

This will be the ballpark's first time hosting a marathon. 

McGillivray approached the Red Sox Foundation last year to pitch the idea. After getting their approval for the run decided to see what kind of interest there was within the running community. 

McGillivray said he was "slammed" with enthusiasm from runners, according to the Associated Press.

Ultimately, just 50 runners were chosen in order to keep things small and organized. Each runner raised $5,000 for the Red Sox Foundation, which will go towards improving health and recreation for kids. 

McGillivray told the Associated Press that if the event is successful, he would consider holding more races at big ballparks. 

According to the Red Sox Foundation website, spectators will be allowed inside the park to watch the race. The race will begin at 5 p.m. Friday.