Heartfelt Hoban Run a success

The tradition of racing for a good cause continued on Sunday September 21, as Xaverian High School hosted its 26th Annual Police Officer Christopher Hoban Memorial 5-Mile Run.

The Hoban Run is dedicated to the Xaverian alum and former officer who was killed in the line of duty in 1988. He was 26 years old. Along with being a fundraiser for providing scholarships, the day also serves as a tribute to a hero of the community.

“It is a true testament to this community that we keep alive the memory of Police Officer Christopher Hoban,” said State Senator Marty Golden, who spoke at the event along with several local dignitaries. “His bravery, his courage and his service to our city have and will continue to inspire all of us who run, walk and donate in his name, to support the next generation of New York’s heroes.”

The race began at 10:30 a.m. from Xaverian, with people of all ages encouraged to participate. A hat walk and kids’ dash was also held as well as a post-race party.

For the second consecutive year, Angel Confesor won first place in the men’s race, with a time of 28:38:08. Coming in second place was Abel Perez at 29:43:36. Garland Days finished in third at 29:58:13. On the women’s side, Sabrina Porter took home first place honors at 34:35:28. Second place went to Demetra Arapakos, who finished at 34:38:23. Jillian Bardo was third at 35:46:58.

In NYPD results, Joseph Pira won first place on the men’s side, while Elizabeth Seminara took first on the female side. Alex Pagano-Stalzer took top honors in the FDNY race, Kalim Malik finished first in DSNY results and Owen Frizalone bested all Xaverian alums.

“Each year, the run gets bigger and bigger,” said Justin Brannan, a spokesperson for Councilmember Vincent Gentile and a Xaverian alum. “Over the years, it has really become more than a run, and more than a scholarship, it’s become a neighborhood institution and one the councilman looks forward to each and every year.”

“(It’s) always such an important day to remember the sacrifice Christopher Hoban made for the safety of all New Yorkers.  I thank Officer Hoban for his service, as well as the Hoban Family, the NYPD, Xaverian High School, and Bay Ridge’s community leaders for making the Hoban Run an annual success,” added Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis.

“The run was a tremendous success,” said Xaverian Director of Communications Erin Cicalese. “At the end of the day, over $30,000 was raised to directly support the scholarship that keeps Chris’s spirit alive through the halls of 7100 Shore Road.”