11th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG Jorge Oliveira Scholarship Fund Honors Fallen Hero

The streets of Kearny, NJ came alive on August 23rd, 2025, as 145 runners and walkers gathered to honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Jorge Oliveira and support the scholarship fund established in his name. The 11th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG Jorge Oliveira Scholarship Fund once again demonstrated the power of community coming together for a meaningful cause, combining athletic competition with heartfelt remembrance.

A Race With Purpose

This wasn't just another community 5K – it was a tribute to a local hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Staff Sergeant Jorge Oliveira's legacy continues to inspire the Kearny community, and the scholarship fund created in his honor has helped numerous students pursue their educational dreams. For eleven consecutive years, this event has brought together families, veterans, active military personnel, competitive runners, and community supporters, all united in their commitment to keeping SSG Oliveira's memory alive while supporting future generations.

The event, hosted by VFW Post #1302, represents the best of what community-organized races can achieve – combining athletic excellence with social impact and community engagement.

Perfect Conditions for a Memorable Morning

Race day dawned with ideal conditions for the participants gathered at the starting line. The late August morning in Kearny NJ provided comfortable temperatures that allowed runners to push their limits while ensuring that walkers could complete the course in comfort. The atmosphere was electric from the moment participants began arriving, with the American flag prominently displayed and a palpable sense of purpose permeating the event.

The race course wound through the streets of Kearny, showcasing the town's tight-knit neighborhoods and welcoming spirit. Residents lined portions of the route, offering encouragement to participants and demonstrating the community support that has made this annual event such a success.

Elite Competition and Outstanding Performances

The competitive field at this year's race delivered thrilling performances from start to finish. Alan Cohetero claimed the overall victory with an impressive time of 17:06.23, demonstrating exceptional speed and endurance on the Kearny course. His sub-17:30 performance set the tone for what proved to be a highly competitive race at the front of the pack.

Hot on Cohetero's heels was Braidan Logue, who crossed the finish line just seconds later with a time of 17:09.01. The narrow three-second margin between first and second place suggests an exciting race that may have come down to a sprint finish, much to the delight of spectators gathered near the finish line.

Rounding out the podium was Robert Kennedy, who posted a strong 17:18.67 to claim third place overall. The fact that all three top finishers broke the 17:30 barrier speaks to both the competitive quality of the field and the fast nature of the Kearny course.

Community Participation and Impressive Turnout

The 145 total finishers represented a strong showing for this memorial event, with participants spanning multiple generations and fitness levels. The gender breakdown showed 97 male and 48 female finishers, reflecting broad community engagement across demographics.

What makes this race particularly special is the diversity of participation it attracts. From competitive runners chasing personal records and age group awards to families walking together to honor SSG Oliveira's memory, the event welcomes all abilities and motivations. Veterans wearing their service branch t-shirts, children completing their first organized race, and community members simply wanting to support a worthy cause all found their place on the course.

The scholarship fund component adds meaningful weight to every registration fee and every step taken along the course. Participants know that their involvement directly contributes to educational opportunities for deserving students, creating a legacy that extends far beyond race day.

Professional Race Timing Ensures Accurate Results

Tristate Timing was proud to provide professional race timing services for this meaningful event, ensuring that every participant received accurate splits and finish times. In an era where participants expect immediate, reliable results, professional timing services have become essential for race directors looking to deliver a first-class experience.

Our state-of-the-art timing equipment captured precise finish times for all 145 participants, enabling real-time results posting and allowing friends and family to track their loved ones' progress. The same professional-grade technology used at major marathons and championship events was deployed in Kearny, ensuring that whether you're competing for the overall victory or completing your first 5K, your achievement is recorded with precision.

For race directors, partnering with experienced timing professionals eliminates the stress and technical challenges of managing race-day logistics, allowing them to focus on creating a memorable experience for participants and honoring the event's important mission.

Results and Recognition

Complete, detailed results from the 11th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG Jorge Oliveira Scholarship Fund are available on RunSignup results page, where participants can view their official times, age group placements, and compare their performances to previous years. The comprehensive results include chip times, gun times, pace information, and complete age group standings.

These detailed RunSignup results allow participants to track their progress year over year, set goals for future races, and celebrate their achievements. For the competitive runners, age group awards recognize excellence across various age categories, while every finisher can take pride in supporting such a worthy cause.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate another successful year of the Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K, we're reminded of the power of community-organized events to create lasting impact. The combination of athletic competition, memorial tribute, and scholarship fundraising creates something far more meaningful than a typical road race.

For race directors in New Jersey and the surrounding tristate area looking to elevate their events with professional race timing services, Tristate Timing brings decades of combined experience and cutting-edge technology to races of all sizes. From small community 5Ks to major regional championships, we're committed to delivering accurate, reliable timing services that enhance the participant experience and simplify race day operations.

Whether you're planning a memorial race, charity run, or competitive road race, professional timing services ensure that your event meets the standards participants have come to expect while allowing you to focus on what matters most – creating a memorable experience and achieving your event's mission.

Interested in professional timing for your next race? Contact Tristate Timing today to learn how our comprehensive timing services can elevate your event and provide participants with the accurate, immediate results they deserve.

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Tristate Timing is proud to support community events like the Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K that bring people together for meaningful causes. Thank you to all the participants, volunteers, and organizers who made this 11th annual event another outstanding success.