Pride Student-Athletes Join in Longtime GNAC Volunteer Tradition

Story written by Michael Ghika, GNAC Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations

WINTHROP, Mass. – More than 100 individuals from Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) programs volunteered at the 16th Annual Brian Honan 5K Run/Walk in Allston, Mass. this past Sunday, September 22, continuing the deep, rich tradition of the GNAC's involvement with the road race.

The GNAC and the Brian J. Honan Charitable Fund would like to thank Emmanuel College women's basketball, Emmanuel College cross country, Lasell University women's volleyball, as well as the cross country/track & field and men's basketball programs from Regis College for their volunteer efforts!

Players from the Northeastern women's basketball team were also on hand to assist with the race necessities, which included registration, signage, mile markers, water stations, starting-line setup, finish-line medals, and distributing volunteer t-shirts. 

Former GNAC full-time staffer Annie Jenkins was on hand all morning and afternoon to help organize the event and its volunteers for a third straight year. 

Named in honor of the former Boston city councilor who passed away in 2002, the Brian J. Honan 5K is a commemorative road race honoring Honan's unwavering dedication to his community.

Honan, before passing away at the age of 39 due to complications following cancer surgery, devoted his life to public service as a teacher, prosecutor and city councilor. In his memory, the Brian J. Honan Charitable Fund was established to help support and foster programs that support education, recreation, housing and healthcare.

The GNAC has maintained a rich tradition of participating in community volunteer efforts year-round as part of its commitment to the values of sportsmanship, integrity, and community. The league is proud to return year after year to pay respects to Commissioner Joe Walsh's late childhood friend and continue Honan's commitment to serving others along Brighton Avenue.

This year's road race saw nearly 700 cross the finish line on a beautiful Boston day – the first of fall.