The 11th Annual Kearny VFW Post #1302 Memorial 5K Run/Walk in Honor of SSG Jorge Oliveira Scholarship Fund brought together 144 participants on Saturday, August 23, 2025, creating a powerful blend of athletic competition and heartfelt remembrance. This meaningful event continues to honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Jorge Oliveira while supporting educational opportunities through its scholarship fund, making it one of the most impactful races in the tristate area.
Race Highlights
The morning in Kearny, New Jersey, provided ideal conditions for what would prove to be an exceptional day of racing. From elite competitors to families walking together, the field represented the true spirit of community that SSG Oliveira embodied during his service. The race’s dual purpose of athletic achievement and memorial tribute created an atmosphere of both competitive intensity and respectful remembrance.
Men’s Competition: Youth Dominates the Field
In a remarkable display of young talent, 16-year-old Alan Cohetero from Kearny claimed overall victory with an impressive time of 17:06.23. Cohetero’s sub-17:10 performance set a commanding tone for the race and demonstrated the exceptional depth of local running talent.
The podium was completed by two more young athletes: 17-year-old Braidan Logue finished second in 17:09.01, while 20-year-old Robert Kennedy secured third place with 17:18.67. The youth movement continued with 19-year-old Tiago Esteves from Kearny finishing fourth in 18:19.42.
Veteran runners also made their mark, with 51-year-old Jose Vieira from Union delivering a masterful performance to finish ninth overall in 19:31.08, proving that experience and determination remain formidable forces in distance running.
Women’s Race: D’Amato Leads Strong Field
The women’s competition was led by Gianna D’Amato from Maywood, who crossed the finish line in 22:09.93 to claim 18th place overall and establish herself as the clear women’s champion. D’Amato’s strong performance highlighted the competitive depth of the women’s field.
Adrianna Soriano, just 17 years old, secured second place among women with an impressive 23:29.13, finishing 23rd overall. The women’s podium was completed by 11-year-old K. Aguilar from North Arlington, who showed tremendous promise with her time of 24:53.33.
Age Group Excellence
The race showcased remarkable performances across all age categories:
- Youth Division: 9-year-old J. Joseph from Kearny impressed with a 20th-place overall finish in 23:12.89, demonstrating the bright future of local running
- Masters Competition: The 50-59 age group was particularly competitive, with Jose Vieira leading the way, followed by Jeffrey Williamson (26:01.42) and Dwayne Williams (26:10.80)
- Senior Division: 60-year-old Evan Bender from Tarrytown, NY, delivered an outstanding performance, finishing 24th overall in 23:34.22
- Veteran Competitors: 79-year-old Edward Wright from Green Brook completed the race in 59:13.55, embodying the spirit of perseverance that defines this memorial event
Memorial Significance
Beyond the athletic achievements, the race served its greater purpose of honoring Staff Sergeant Jorge Oliveira and supporting educational opportunities through the scholarship fund. The strong participation from the Kearny community and surrounding areas demonstrated the lasting impact of SSG Oliveira’s service and sacrifice.
The event brought together participants from across New Jersey and beyond, with runners representing communities from Kearny to Tarrytown, NY, and as far as Green Brook, NJ. This geographic diversity reflected the widespread respect for SSG Oliveira’s memory and the race’s reputation as a premier memorial event.
Looking Forward
As the 11th edition of this memorial race concludes, the SSG Jorge Oliveira Scholarship Fund continues to benefit from the community’s generous support. The combination of competitive racing and meaningful remembrance has established this event as a cornerstone of the tristate racing calendar.
Congratulations to all 144 participants who made the 2025 SSG Oliveira Memorial 5K another memorable tribute to a fallen hero. Whether competing for podium positions or simply honoring SSG Oliveira’s memory through participation, every finisher contributed to the success of this special event and the continuation of his legacy through education.
Complete results and additional race information are available through RunSignup. The race was timed by Tristate Timing, ensuring accurate results for all participants. Proceeds from the event benefit the SSG Jorge Oliveira Scholarship Fund, continuing to honor his memory through educational opportunities.
