They ran headlong into autumn.
Hundreds of Ridgites participated in the annual Chris Hoban Run on Sept. 21. The memorial race remembers a resident who died too young, but it is also known locally as the unofficial start of fall.
“Yeah, you’ve got Labor Day, but this is how we know summer is really over,” said spectator Ella Mainiero.
The memorial run starts and ends at Xaverian High School, where namesake Christopher Hoban graduated in 1980. Hoban, who went on to become a police officer, died in the line of duty at the age of 26.
Runners of all stripes took to the street for the five-mile run, which started at the school, proceeded down the Shore Road promenade, and turned up Third Avenue to make its return course.
Angel Confesor took top honors among the men, clocking in at a swift 28:38:08 — or 5:44 minutes per mile — and Sabrina Porter led the ladies with a speedy 6:56-minute-per-mile run for an overall time of 34:35.28.
But it’s more than a run around the block. After racers crossed the finish line, they got to kick back and enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment at a post-race party. There were also rides and games for kids, and music from DJ Tommy Tunes and the band Head Over Heels.
