Event Details
May 23, 2026
8AM Check In
8:30AM Free Kids Dash
9AM 5K Start - Rain or Shine
West Long Branch Community Center
116 Locust Ave
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Sgt. Dennis Vaccaro, a beloved husband, brother, son, friend, and military veteran who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in the summer of 2023. Despite sustaining fatal injuries, Dennis was kept on life support for organ donation, embodying his legacy of selflessness and saving lives. Known for his positivity, outgoing nature, and adventurous spirit, Dennis had a profound impact on everyone he encountered. As a United States Army Sgt. and Combat Medic, he served for five years, including a deployment in Afghanistan, where his Army comrades admired his unique charisma, humor, and unwavering reliability. Sad Company was founded by Dennis with the message of "Celebrate the good times, and be there for your buddies during the bad." Proceeds from Sad Company merchandise and all donations will benefit the Dennis A. Vaccaro Foundation, a non-profit supporting Veterans with mental health, education, and reacclimating to civilian life. The legacy he started, brothers helping brothers, will live on.
T-shirts guaranteed to all pre-registered!
* No shirts for kids fun run
The Dennis A. Vaccaro Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Thorne family for entrusting us to continue this run. We cherish the chance to not only commemorate Dennis A. Vaccaro, but also the remarkable life and contributions of Michael W. Thorne.
Lutheran Church of the Reformation Food Pantry of West Long Branch will be collecting non perishable food items. Each participant who brings an item will be given a free raffle ticket.
AMENITIES
LIVE / Text / Email Results
FREE Finish Line Photos
Personalized Bibs if registered 3 weeks in advance
Free Kids Dash and activities during the event
Raffle for GRAND PRIZE 21 and older
Post run refreshments
T-shirts to all pre-registered (No shirts for the fun run)
Food Bank will be attending to bring a non perishable food item and donation.
AWARDS
Top 3 M/F Overall
Top 1 M/F Age Groups: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Largest Group
BENEFICIARY
Proceeds from this event will benefit The Dennis A. Vaccaro Foundation. We are a non-profit organization with a mission to honor the life and memory of Dennis Vaccaro. We do this by supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities for Veterans.
View Tickets & More Info