Global Virtual Torch Run

If you would like to participate, you are encouraged to run or walk on Sunday, September 20, 2020 or at your convenience anytime in September.  There is no cost to participate and you can allow for any donations for your efforts to be directed to our program in Illinois. 

We’re also excited that one of our great Torch Run supporters, Buffalo Grove Police Chief and President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (a founding partner of the LETR), Steve Casstevens, has agreed to take on the role of Honorary Chair of the Global Virtual Torch Run.  You can watch Chief Casstevens invite Law Enforcement from all over the world to participate here.

Register Here Today!

From Scott Whyte, Chairman of the LETR International Executive Council:

The LETR International Executive Council launched the ‘2020 Global Virtual Torch Run‘ on Saturday, August 1, 2020. This event – being hosted for the first time by the Council – is focused on encouraging Torch Runners and supporters of Special Olympics to stay connected with our great movement.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has meant that many things have had to change this year.

Traditionally, one of the highlights of the Torch Run year is the annual LETR International Conference which was scheduled to be held at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland in mid-September. The decision in April to cancel the conference was extremely difficult to make but correct.

Each year at the Conference, the Host Program arranges a 5km Torch Run – usually on the morning of the last day. In previous years, we have run from Coors Field to Mile High Stadium in Denver, along the ‘Strip’ in Las Vegas, and through Disneyworld in Orlando.

And it was from our disappointment at not being able to gather this year in Maryland that the concept of a Global Virtual Torch Run was born. So mark down Sunday, September 20, 2020 in your calendar as the date that you will participate in the biggest torch run event organized for this year.