Brooklynites make annual Hoban Run most successful one yet

Running with heavy hearts.

Around 550 people participated in the 27^th annual Hoban Run, an all-day event created to honor of the memory of 1980 Xaverian High School alum, Christopher Hoban, an officer who was killed in the line of duty in 1988. He was 26 when he died.

The five mile run, held on Sunday, September 20, is a fundraiser that allows four students from grades nine through 12 – all children of NYPD officers — to receive scholarships to Xaverian each year.

According to Robert Oliva, chair of the Hoban Committee, this year’s event was the most successful one yet. “This year’s run grossed the most money we ever brought in in its history,” he said, noting that over $30,000 had been raised for the Xaverian Scholarship Fund. “That’s due in part to the hard work and dedication of the Hoban Committee, family and loyal supporters of this race every year. By loyal supporters, I mean Bay Ridge, the NYPD, the Xaverian community and supporters that have been here since day one.”

Finishing first place on the men’s side of the race was John Pollina, with a time of 27:03:21. Troy Squire finished second with 27:38:07, and Anthony Morales was third with a time of 28:45:79.

On the women’s side, Sabrina Chin took first place honors with a time of 34:28:12. In second place was Demetra Arapakos at 36:06:81 and Mary Kate Gallagher finished third with 26:53:85.

After the ceremony and race, a party was held that featured a barbecue, rides for the kids, a kid’s dash and hat walk. “In total, 800 to 1,000 people attended the event,” Oliva said. “The fact that so many people participated shows that it transcends Xaverian or Bay Ridge. It’s greater than that.”

However, the highlight of the event, as always, was the tribute to the memory of Hoban. “What this run means to Xaverian is the ability to keep alive the memory of an icon, a hero and one of their loyal sons killed in line of duty who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Oliva said. “This run and scholarship fund keep his memory alive forever.”

Oliva is also amazed that, after so long, the run remains a Bay Ridge fixture. “It’s something that you can only describe as saying it’s magical,” he noted. “This run has been going on for 27 years. Things come and go in New York City. This scholarship and this run keep on going.”