12th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG's Jorge Oliveira & Edward Karolasz Scholarship Fund
- Date Sat 22nd August 2026
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Kearny, New Jersey
- Price $33.80
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join us for the 12th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Kearny, Hudson. This inspiring event honors the bravery and sacrifice of Staff Sergeants Edward Karolasz and Jorge Oliveira, inviting the community to come together in remembrance and gratitude. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual walker, your participation in the professionally timed 5K Run or the untimed Memorial Walk helps preserve the legacy of our fallen heroes and supports vital veteran service programs.
Experience a day filled with patriotism, camaraderie, and spirited remembrance. The event kicks off at 9 AM with an opening ceremony paying tribute to our nation’s heroes, followed by a lively atmosphere complete with refreshments and post-race festivities. This family-friendly gathering is more than just a race; it's a heartfelt promise to honor those who served and to support initiatives that improve the lives of veterans and military families. Come and celebrate their legacy with us—let's ensure their stories are never forgotten!
Experience a day filled with patriotism, camaraderie, and spirited remembrance. The event kicks off at 9 AM with an opening ceremony paying tribute to our nation’s heroes, followed by a lively atmosphere complete with refreshments and post-race festivities. This family-friendly gathering is more than just a race; it's a heartfelt promise to honor those who served and to support initiatives that improve the lives of veterans and military families. Come and celebrate their legacy with us—let's ensure their stories are never forgotten!
Organiser's Description
Some heroes never come home, but their legacy can continue to inspire generations.
The SSG Karolasz & SSG Oliveira Memorial 5K Run & Walk is an annual event presented by VFW Post 1302 to honor the lives, service, and ultimate sacrifice of Staff Sergeants Edward Karolasz and Jorge Oliveira, who gave everything in defense of our nation.
This race is more than a finish line. It is a communitys promise that their names, their stories, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Whether you are a competitive runner, a casual walker, a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, or simply someone who believes in honoring those who served, we invite you to stand with us. Every participant helps preserve the memory of our fallen heroes while supporting programs that improve the lives of veterans and military families throughout our community.
Along the course youll find a spirit of patriotism, remembrance, and unity. At the finish line youll become part of something much larger than a race a tradition dedicated to service, sacrifice, and giving back.
Event Features
Professionally timed 5K Run
Untimed Memorial Walk
Overall and age-group awards
Opening Ceremony honoring our nations fallen heroes
Veterans organizations and community partners
Family-friendly atmosphere
Refreshments and post-race festivities
Beneficiary
Net proceeds support the veteran service programs of VFW Post 1302, helping provide emergency assistance, community outreach, youth patriotism programs, memorial projects, and advocacy for veterans and their families.
Why We Run
We run because freedom has a cost.
We run to honor those who accepted that burden.
We run so their stories are told.
We run so their sacrifice is never forgotten.
Join us as we remember two American heroes and reaffirm our commitment to those who have worn the uniform.
Honor Their Service. Celebrate Their Legacy. Never Forget.
WHEN: August 22, 2026
Race Start Time: 9am
WHERE:
VFW Post#1302
300 Belgrove Drive
Kearny, NJ 07032
The SSG Karolasz & SSG Oliveira Memorial 5K Run & Walk is an annual event presented by VFW Post 1302 to honor the lives, service, and ultimate sacrifice of Staff Sergeants Edward Karolasz and Jorge Oliveira, who gave everything in defense of our nation.
This race is more than a finish line. It is a communitys promise that their names, their stories, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Whether you are a competitive runner, a casual walker, a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, or simply someone who believes in honoring those who served, we invite you to stand with us. Every participant helps preserve the memory of our fallen heroes while supporting programs that improve the lives of veterans and military families throughout our community.
Along the course youll find a spirit of patriotism, remembrance, and unity. At the finish line youll become part of something much larger than a race a tradition dedicated to service, sacrifice, and giving back.
Event Features
Professionally timed 5K Run
Untimed Memorial Walk
Overall and age-group awards
Opening Ceremony honoring our nations fallen heroes
Veterans organizations and community partners
Family-friendly atmosphere
Refreshments and post-race festivities
Beneficiary
Net proceeds support the veteran service programs of VFW Post 1302, helping provide emergency assistance, community outreach, youth patriotism programs, memorial projects, and advocacy for veterans and their families.
Why We Run
We run because freedom has a cost.
We run to honor those who accepted that burden.
We run so their stories are told.
We run so their sacrifice is never forgotten.
Join us as we remember two American heroes and reaffirm our commitment to those who have worn the uniform.
Honor Their Service. Celebrate Their Legacy. Never Forget.
WHEN: August 22, 2026
Race Start Time: 9am
WHERE:
VFW Post#1302
300 Belgrove Drive
Kearny, NJ 07032
Races
-
Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG's Jorge Oliveira & Edward Karolasz Scholarship Fund
Incl. $3.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 22nd August 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$33.80
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300 Belgrove Dr, Kearny, 07032, NJ, United States
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12th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG's Jorge Oliveira & Edward Karolasz Scholarship Fund
