Women's Volleyball Participates in 12th Annual Brian Honan Road Race

Courtesy of GNAC Specialist Ken Francis

Greater Boston race again a success with help
of 150+ GNAC student-athletes, administrators

WINTHROP, Mass. – This past Sunday, September 27 marked the 12th annual Brian Honan 5K Run/Walk in Allston, Mass. Named in honor of the former Boston city councilor who passed away in 2002, the Brian Honan 5K is a commemorative road race honoring Brian's unwavering dedication to the community.

The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) has maintained a rich tradition of participating in community volunteer efforts year-round. GNAC student-athletes, coaches and administrators continued the tradition on Sunday by assisting with event registration, managing water stations and handling the distribution of medals at the 2015 Brian Honan 5K.

This year's road race saw over 150 representatives from the GNAC spend their Sunday volunteering on Brighton Avenue to continue Brian's commitment to community advocacy.

"Brian loved the game of basketball and was a great person," said Arthur Howell, Emmanuel College women's basketball assistant coach. "He was a very humble guy who was active in the community and gave a lot back. This event is a great opportunity to bring our student-athletes together and immerse themselves in the community."

Honan, before passing at the age of 39 due to complications following cancer surgery, dedicated his life to improving his community. As a teacher, prosecutor and city councilor, Honan's life was devoted to public service. Various public officials attended Sunday's road race to honor the late city councilor.

"As a former colleague and public servant, I look forward every year to coming here to pay tribute to Brian," said At-Large Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley, who is the first woman of color to be elected to the council in its 105-year history. "I like to think through conscience policy that supports the uplifting and advancement of people, that we are honoring him through policy year-round. This is the day where the neighborhood is the center of the universe and people come from all over the city to walk, run, and honor Brian."

Since established, the Honan Charitable Fund has helped promote and foster programs that support education, recreation, housing and healthcare. Many of the 5K participants are able to see the positive impact the organization has had and run to encourage civic duty in the Allston-Brighton community.

"Brian was a great servant to this part of the area," said Stephen Smith, who has participated in every Honan road race since its inception. "He served Boston well and it's a great day to honor someone who did so much for this community."

Funds raised from Sunday's road race will not only go to the Brian Honan Charitable Fund, but will also help benefit scholarship funds of the Allston Board of Trade and Brighton Board of Trade. 

"We do the road race to commemorate him, and all proceeds go to local charities," said Allston-Brighton State Representative Kevin Honan, Brian's brother.

"The Brian Honan Foundation has given over $410,000 to local charities over the last 12 years," he added. "We are here to remember the good work of my brother Brian. He was a city councilor here in Brighton and served this great neighborhood for six years. Since we started the Brian Honan 5K, the GNAC has always provided us with outstanding volunteers."

After asking Representative Honan to sum up the event in one word, he said, "Community."

"The whole community coming together to support service and celebrate my brother's legacy means a lot to our family, and it's wonderful to see people honoring Brian."

The GNAC's dedication to assist with the Brian Honan Foundation exemplifies its commitment to the values of sportsmanship, integrity, and community.

Founded in 1995, the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) is an NCAA Division III association made up of 12 member institutions, 12 associate 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.