In the early evening hours of October 18, 1988 Police Officer Christopher Hoban, a Xaverian High School graduate, and another narcotics officer arrived at an apartment on West 105th Street in Manhattan to make an undercover drug buy.
Upon entering the apartment things suddenly took a turn for the worse, as the two officers encountered a man who suspected them of being undercover police. In the ensuing struggle, shots were fired – striking and killing one of the suspects, as well as hitting Officer Hoban twice.
Mortally wounded, Officer Hoban was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital where he died.
The surviving suspects were later sentenced to 25 years to life. Hoban, who had been with the NYPD for four years, was 26 years old.
For the last 24 years, Police Officer Hoban’s alma mater has honored his memory with the Chris Hoban Memorial Run – a five mile race which, according to Home Reporter, “serves as the primary funding of the Hoban Scholarship.” The program offers tuition assistance to sons of New York City police officers who attend the all-boys Catholic high school.
This year’s race will take place on Sunday, September 16, starting at 10:30 a.m.
The course both begins and finishes at Xaverian High School, located on 71st Street and Shore Road. The race runs along the Shore Road Promenade bicycle path and returns via 3rd Avenue.
After the relief of a “nice downhill stretch” on 68th Street, it concludes with a “brief slight incline” up Shore Road to Xaverian High School.
The race also ends with the well regarded Hoban Backyard BBQ and Party – featuring food, beverages, kiddie rides and raffles, as well as music provided by DJ Tommy Tunes and Head Over Heels.
Online Registration closes on September 14, at 8 p.m. Eastern.
You can also register at pre-registration prices on September 15, at Xaverian High School, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Race day entry fees are $15 for Ages for ages 12 and under, $20 for ages 13-19, and $25 for adults 20 and over. Registration takes place from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. For more information, please visit hobanrun.org.