Law Enforcement Torch Run

Law Enforcement Torch Run^® Stepping Up Fundraising Efforts

In the last decade, the number of people with intellectual disabilities participating in Special Olympics in Illinois has increased by about 25 percent to more than 22,000 athletes in 2009. In addition to sports training and competition, the organization offers numerous other programs for athletes and families – all at no cost to the participants!

As Special Olympics Illinois continues to provide opportunities for a growing number of athletes and families, the need for more funding to support those programs grows too. That is where more involvement from the law enforcement community becomes crucial.

Since 1986, law enforcement has been supporting Special Olympics Illinois by raising money and awareness through the Law Enforcement Torch Run^®. What started as a single run that raised $14,000 in 1986 has grown to a year-round campaign that is projected to raise $2.3 million in 2009, nearly a quarter of Special Olympics Illinois’ annual operating budget. With Special Olympics spending $442 for a single athlete to compete for an entire year, that $2.3 million means that the Torch Run paid for 5,203 athletes to compete in 2009. Read More

What is the Law Enforcement Torch Run^®?

The Law Enforcement Torch Run^® is the single largest year-round fundraising event benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The annual intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and to gain awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Illinois. The Law Enforcement Torch Run^® has raised more than $16.825 million over 23 years while increasing awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments.

Approximately 3,000 officers representing every branch of law enforcement across the state from local police officers to FBI agents will carry the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles, running through thousands of Illinois communities via 23 different legs (routes) to its final destination – the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in June in Normal.

History of Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run^®

The Law Enforcement Torch Run^® began in Illinois in 1986. That first year, fewer than 100 runners carried the torch along five legs: North (starting in South Beloit), South (starting in Cairo), West (starting in Quincy), East (starting in Danville) and the city of Chicago.

Illinois’ first Torch Run raised just $14,039.93, but the seed was planted for future growth. The Torch Run raised $500,000 in Illinois in 1997. Illinois easily surpassed the $1 million mark in 2002 and first raised more than $2 million in 2006, making it the third highest grossing Torch Run program in the world.