The 23rd Annual Brian J. Honan 5k Road Race kicked off in Allston-Brighton Sunday, honoring the late city councilor and his dedication to uplifting and preserving the neighborhood. 

Scores of students from universities across Boston packed the streets to race and support their peers. More than 600 BU community members signed up to participate, said Jim Curley, director of state relations at BU.

“We try to be a bridge between our host communities like Allston-Brighton,” said Curley, who works in the BU Office of Government and Community Affairs. “The 5k is something our office has been  involved in since its founding.” 

Nearly one thousand runners crossed the finish line this year, cheered on by crowds of spectators lining the route, which wound through Brighton Avenue, Cambridge Street and Washington Street. 

“September is beautiful in Boston, and you can get out and meet 500 to 600 new friends,” Curley said. “So it really is positive in so many ways.”

Honan, who died in 2002 at age 39, was an avid proponent of affordable housing and encouraged BU and Boston College to increase on-campus housing in an effort to reduce spiked rents in the Allston-Brighton neighborhood. He also advocated for historical and environmental preservation and labor advocacy. 

Honan’s brother, Rep. Kevin Honan, D-17th Suffolk — which includes precincts in Allston-Brighton — established the Brian J. Honan Charitable fund to support causes the late public servant championed during his seven years as an Allston-Brighton representative. The fund fosters local and national education, recreation, housing and health care programs.

“[The fund] goes to support all sorts of worthy endeavors [and] scholarships for youth sports organizations,” Curley said. “It’s a great cause, but it’s also a great day to get the community together and pay tribute to a great man.” 

Jack Huber, a first-year graduate student at BU, claimed first place with a time of 16 minutes. He said he has been running since he was a sophomore in high school and ran competitively at Michigan State University.

“I just love it. I love competing,” Huber said. “I love the community aspect of it.” 

BU student Sandro D’Aveta said he and his friends had a “blast” after charging past the finish line.

“Do it. Come, run, walk if you need to,” he said. “The best thing you can do is to come out and do it. The worst thing you can do is to not get up.” 

The 5k marked Allston resident Nikhil Dasgupta’s first formal race. He was primarily there for the opportunity to bond with his neighbors, who tend to be a “transient” crowd. 

“It’s always exciting to see events that can actually bring people out and together, especially in Allston,” said Dasgupta, an engagement and operations manager at the Allston Brighton Health Collaborative. 

The race was bookended by the Allston-Brighton parade, which featured marching bands, community groups, entertainers and dancers.

“It’s cool to see things that can still energize people and get everyone together,” said Dasgupta.