12TH Annual
12th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG's Jorge Oliveira & Edward Karolasz Scholarship Fund
12th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG's Jorge Oliveira & Edward Karolasz Scholarship Fund is a running race on August 22, 2026 in Kearny, NJ, with an entry fee of $25.
- Date
- August 22, 2026 (30 days to go)
- Location
- 300 Belgrove Dr, Kearny, NJ
- Price
- $25
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
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 community’s 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 you’ll find a spirit of patriotism, remembrance, and unity. At the finish line you’ll 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 nation’s 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
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
84°
Typical Low
66°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Harrison, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Kearny, NJ
Population
40,570
as of 2023
City Elevation
9 ft
Nearest Airport
EWR
Newark Liberty International Airport · 5 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 12th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG's Jorge Oliveira & Edward Karolasz Scholarship Fund, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
30
Days to train
- Race
- 12th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG's Jorge Oliveira & Edward Karolasz Scholarship Fund
- Date
- August 22, 2026
- Location
- 300 Belgrove Dr, Kearny, NJ
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
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Supported Long Run
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Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Kearny than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to KearnyFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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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
Aug 22, 2026