PHOTOS: Annual P.O. Christopher Hoban run makes its way through Bay Ridge

Remembering a fallen hero.

Xaverian High School hosted its 28^th Annual Police Officer Hoban Memorial Run on Sunday, September 18. Alumni, family members, elected officials and participants gathered outside the school before the race to discuss its significance.

The Hoban Run is dedicated to Xaverian alum and former P.O. Christopher Hoban, a graduate of the high school in 1980 who was killed in the line of duty in 1988 at the age of 26. Along with being a fundraiser for providing scholarships, the day also serves as a tribute to a hero of the community.

More than 1,000 runners, walkers, toddlers and spectators attended the heartfelt tradition that  remembers Hoban, and features a variety of activities, including the race andthe Hoban Backyard BBQ and Party sponsored by alum Chris D’Accordo, which features food, kids’ rides, raffles, and music by local band Head Over Heels.

“It’s a really nice day and my family and I appreciate everyone coming out and supporting the Hoban run and my family,” said the fallen officer’s brother, Marty Hoban, who also presented the Chris Hoban Award to Xaverian president Robert Alesi. “What makes this award even more meaningful is his unwavering commitment to the Hoban Run and to my family. Shortly after he became president, Bob invited me to the school to talk about plans for the future of Xaverian and at the end of the meeting, he pulled me aside, and thanked me for all the committee has done to preserve Chris’s legacy.”

Hoban also stressed the significance of the Police Officer Christopher Hoban Memorial Scholarship, which will be perpetually funded by Xaverian High School. “That means that each and year, sons and daughters of New York City police officers will be given the gift of a Xaverian education in his memory,” he said. “I could never truly express how grateful I am for Bob’s work.”

“It’s an honor to receive this award,” Alesi said. “Really, this event is because of the love and dedication that the Hoban Committee bring to this event each and every year. It’s an opportunity for us to remember our brother Chris who was taken from us in the line of duty. It serves as an opportunity for all of our young students to remember what heroes are truly about.”

Elected officials also chimed in on the importance of the day. “What I’ve learned about Bay Ridge is that we are a community of traditions,” said Congressmember Dan Donovan. “I want to thank you for that and for keeping his memory alive.”

“This is a community of passion and tradition, and we keep that today with this run,” said Councilmember Vincent Gentile.

“He was part of America’s finest in this great city,” added State Senator Marty Golden.

This year’s, Angel Confesor once again won first place in the men’s race, with a time of 28:41. Coming in, in second place was Sammy Gotts at 29:32. Carlos Sause finished in third at 30:25. On the women’s side, Sabrina Chin took home first place honors at 34:38. Second place went to Alexandra Jones, who finished at 35:54. Elizabeth Ferguson was third at 36:53.