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GNAC Again Set to Volunteer at Annual Brian Honan 5K

Sep 18, 2014


11th annual Run/Walk set for
noon on Sunday in Allston, Mass.

WINTHROP, Mass. – This Sunday, September 21 will mark the 11th annual Brian Honan 5K Run/Walk in Allston, Mass., which is named in honor of the former Boston City Councilor who passed away in 2002.

Once again, the Great Northeast Athletic Conference will continue its deep-rooted volunteer efforts at this fall’s event. In years past, GNAC student-athletes, coaches and administrators have assisted with event registration, handled the distribution of medals and manned water stations, among many other responsibilities on race day.

Last September, the GNAC had more than 140 representatives volunteering on Brighton Avenue.

“Brian Honan did a lot for the Allston-Brighton community and we feel honored to help in any way that we can,” said Tony DaRocha, head coach of the Emmanuel College men’s and women’s cross country programs.

Honan, before passing at the age of 39 due to complications following cancer surgery, dedicated his life to the prospering of his community. As a teacher, prosecutor and city councilor, Honan's life was devoted to public service.

“The money raised from the race helps provide much needed funds for various organizations in the community,” added DaRocha, as the funds raised on Sunday will not only go to the Brian Honan Charitable Fund, but will also help benefit scholarship funds of the Allston Board of Trade and the Brighton Board of Trade. 

“Brian was my younger brother,” said Allston-Brighton State Representative Kevin Honan. “We grew up together in Allston-Brighton working on political campaigns with our parents. We learned early on the importance of community and giving back.”

“It was a year after my brother’s passing that a group of his close friends came to my family and suggested a local road race in memory of Brian,” Honan said. “Money raised would create the Brian Honan Foundation, which would give grants to various charities Brian had championed. The first year of the race we had 600 runners. Now in its 11th year, we have 1,300 registered online and expect many more on race day.”

Since established, the Honan Charitable Fund has helped support and foster programs that support education, recreation, housing and healthcare. Many of the 5K participants are able to see the good that the organization has been able to accomplish, and they run to help benefit the community of Allston-Brighton.

“Brian was a fan and a supporter of the GNAC,” said GNAC commissioner Joe Walsh (pictured below, left). “He loved sports at all levels and appreciated the hard work, commitment and passion of student-athletes and coaches. Those from the GNAC who volunteer each year are the embodiment of the commitment to public service that Brian lived for.”

“We also have such incredible volunteers,” said Honan. “We are so fortunate to have so many student-athletes coordinate the road race. These students-athletes make the race run so smoothly.”

"The 5K is an opportunity for people with different backgrounds to come together in order to try and achieve a greater goal," said Julian Rifkind, an Emerson College baseball senior and former GNAC student-athlete.

He is looking forward to contributing to the cause on Sunday.

"There really was no convincing others on my part in order for them to help out. It’s because people really just want to use this as an opportunity to help others,” Rikfind said.

For more information on the Brian J. Honan Fund, please visit www.brianhonan.org. For a photo gallery of the GNAC volunteers at the 2014 Race/Walk, please click here.

Founded in 1995, the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) is an NCAA Division III association made up of 12 member institutions and over 3,000 student-athletes across the New England region. Each year, the GNAC sponsors and administers 17 championships, while balancing academic integrity, athletic opportunity and community involvement.

Interviews conducted by GNAC Specialist Jordan Haghighi.

Founded in 1995, the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) is an NCAA Division III association made up of 12 member institutions and over 3,000 student-athletes across the New England region. Each year, the GNAC sponsors and administers 17 championships, while balancing academic integrity, athletic opportunities and community involvement.

– #theGNAC –