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 $44.40
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join us on Saturday, August 22, 2026, for the 12th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk, held in honor of Staff Sergeants Jorge Oliveira and Edward Karolasz. This inspiring event takes place in Kearny, Hudson, and is dedicated to celebrating the lives and sacrifices of our fallen heroes. Participants can choose from a professionally timed 5K run or an untimed memorial walk, making it a perfect opportunity for competitive runners, casual walkers, veterans, and community members to come together in remembrance.
As you traverse the scenic course, you'll experience a spirit of patriotism and unity, culminating in a finish line celebration that highlights the importance of honoring those who served our nation. This family-friendly event features overall and age-group awards, an opening ceremony, refreshments, and post-race festivities. The net proceeds will benefit veteran service programs, ensuring that the legacy of SSG Karolasz and SSG Oliveira lives on by supporting veterans and military families in our community. Come run with us, celebrate their legacy, and reaffirm your commitment to those who have worn the uniform. Together, let's make this event a memorable tribute!
As you traverse the scenic course, you'll experience a spirit of patriotism and unity, culminating in a finish line celebration that highlights the importance of honoring those who served our nation. This family-friendly event features overall and age-group awards, an opening ceremony, refreshments, and post-race festivities. The net proceeds will benefit veteran service programs, ensuring that the legacy of SSG Karolasz and SSG Oliveira lives on by supporting veterans and military families in our community. Come run with us, celebrate their legacy, and reaffirm your commitment to those who have worn the uniform. Together, let's make this event a memorable tribute!
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:
RACE:
BRANCH BROOK PARK CHERRY BLOSSOM WELCOME CENTER, NEWARK, NJ
PST RACE CELEBRATION:
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:
RACE:
BRANCH BROOK PARK CHERRY BLOSSOM WELCOME CENTER, NEWARK, NJ
PST RACE CELEBRATION:
VFW Post#1302
300 Belgrove Drive
Kearny, NJ 07032
Races
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Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG's Jorge Oliveira & Edward Karolasz Scholarship Fund
Incl. $4.40 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 22nd August 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$44.40
CLOSED
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300 Belgrove Dr, Kearny, 07032, NJ, United States
12th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG's Jorge Oliveira & Edward Karolasz Scholarship Fund
