This past year, longtime friends and Hoboken residents Andrew Sobieski and Adam Smith were training for the annual New York City Marathon. Even though the pandemic postponed their plans, all hope was not lost. Rather than let all that training go to waste, the two took that determination and passion for running and put it towards a good cause. During this hard time, local business owners have suffered a great deal. So, Sobieski and Smith decided to give back by starting what they’ve named the Hoboken Hometown Marathon. 

The Hoboken Hometown Marathon was created with the goal to raise money for local Hoboken bars and restaurants affected by COVID-19. Both Sobieski and Smith see this marathon as an opportunity. They hope to lighten the hearts of the community and provide a sense of hope for businesses affected. 

Hoboken Hospitality Alliance

After the lockdown, they met once a week to discuss how they could support local restaurants in a positive way. During one of these meetings, they came up with the idea to run a six and a half-mile marathon around Hoboken to help raise money for the Hoboken Hospitality Alliance.

The Hoboken Hospitality Alliance is a company that focuses on serving the hospitality industry. They act as a local resource for operators and owners. They specialize in learning all things hospitality such as communication skills and advertising management. In the last seven months, their sole job has been supporting those affected by the coronavirus.

Sobieski and Smith chose to help the Hoboken Hospitality Alliance because they are a relatively new organization with similar goals. Of the partnership, Sobieski said, “Getting to work closely with the Hoboken Hospitality Alliance these last few months gets me excited to see them make a difference in the community.”

Sobieski and Smith also hope to create a fun experience during their run on November 1st. Celebrations include a ride-along from friends, support of local business owners, quirky outfits and an outdoor party. 

As a local Hoboken business owner himself, Smith has seen and felt the struggle of the community firsthand. His company, Lokel Group, is an experiential marketing agency that focuses on the hospitality industry. He knows the impact of COVID-19 and what it has done to the great businesses residents have built. Smith will be running in support of the local business owners he has frequently partnered with. 

How to donate

Further information regarding the Hoboken Hometown Marathon and ways of donating can be found on their website and Instagram (@hometownmarathon) page. As of now, they’ve earned $5,000  through sponsors and through donations from their GoFundMe page. According to Sobieski, the enthusiasm for the event has been overwhelming. “I’m amazed at how much support we’ve received from the community, especially as the marathon date approaches.”