LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
GUARDIANS OF THE FLAME
HISTORY AND IMPACT
Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon organized the very first Torch Run in 1981, to strengthen community relations and garner support for Special Olympics Kansas. He presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in 1983, which endorsed it and became the “Founding Law Enforcement Organization”.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run has grown into an international movement symbolizing courage and celebrating diversity. Each year, nearly 100,000 officers around the world join Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope, lighting the way for acceptance and inclusion.
In Illinois, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $70 million since its inception in 1986.
ILLINOIS LETR EVENTS
INTRASTATE RELAY AND FINAL LEG
The Illinois LETR conducts an annual intrastate relay where 3,000 officers unite to carry the Flame of Hope 1,500 miles—passing through numerous Illinois communities before reaching the Summer Games Opening Ceremony in Normal.
POLAR PLUNGE
Held each February and March, the Illinois LETR Polar Plunge raises money for Special Olympics Illinois (more than $3 million in 2025) by inviting individuals, organizations and businesses to plunge into icy waters.
DUNKIN’ COP ON A ROOFTOP
Each May, Illinois LETR officers team up to collect donations and rally support for Special Olympics Illinois athletes at Dunkin’ locations across the state. The event raised more than $1.2 million in 2025, in just seven hours!
ILLINOIS PLANE PULLS
Each spring and fall, LETR teams raise funds and awareness by going head-to-head in the ultimate tug-of-war competition—pulling a commercial aircraft 12 feet as quickly as possible.
TRUCK CONVOYS
LETR hosts 3 Truck Convoy fundraising events annually. Local businesses participate by sponsoring co-branded vehicles driven across Illinois by police officers, commercial truckers and other volunteers.
FIVE-O RACING
Five-O Racing is an Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraiser where officers race stock cars decorated in patrol colors. Each driver must raise at least $500, with higher fundraising totals determining the starting lineup.
ROW 4 DOUGH
Each summer, Illinois LETR Row 4 Dough teams raise funds and row together (on machines or in the water) to complete a 5K, half marathon or full marathon.
TEXAS ROADHOUSE TIP-A-COP
GOLF CART RAFFLE
From February to October snag your chance to win a brand new Valor Max Golf Cart. Tickets are $10. Raffle is sponsored by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.
LETR SCHNUCKS DAYS
Law enforcement and volunteers set up at local Schnucks store locations to sell merchandise, raffle tickets, and to collect donations.
KICKOFF CONFERENCE
Every January, the LETR Kickoff Conference in Bloomington offers networking opportunities, inspirational messages, and opportunities for the coming year.
Topgolf Fundraisers
Topgolf and LETR bring people together through the Unified FORE Joy ProAms and Tip-A-Cop fundraisers. These events help raise funds and awareness while creating inclusive, fun experiences.