Keep the Hope Virtual Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run raises important awareness and funding for Special Olympics North Carolina. The annual statewide Torch Run Relays carrying the Flame of Hope throughout hundreds of communities every May traditionally precede the SONC Summer Games and are the heart and soul of the North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run efforts. Historically thousands of law enforcement across the state run in this symbolic event as Guardians of the Flame carrying and presenting the Flame of Hope to light the cauldron as the official start of the SONC Summer Games. 

With the cancellation of the 2020 SONC Summer Games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Special Olympics North Carolina, along with the support of hundreds of local law enforcement volunteers are hosting this years Torch Run Relay campaign – virtually!

During the months of May and June, we invite you or your law enforcement agency to join us for the Keep the Hope Virtual Torch Run by walking, running, riding bikes, training on stationary home fitness equipment to keep the Flame of Hope burning for our Special Olympics North Carolina athletes. Each week we ask that you log and post your miles on an on-your-honor system and then donate .25 cents a mile. We encourage sharing photos of your efforts wearing your North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run t-shirt on your Facebook page(s) for friends, family and supporters to donate towards your Keep the Hope miles. 

The law enforcement agency that logs the most Keep the Hope miles and raises the most funds will receive bragging rights, a crystal Flame of Hope Torch for their department and a catered lunch (agency must raise at least $1,000 to receive reward). Also, the individual who logs the most Keep the Hope miles and raises the most funds will receive a Law Enforcement Torch Run rolling travel duffel bag, a 2020 NC LETR Challenge Coin & a $50 Publix gift card. 

So together lets carry the torch virtually keeping Hope alive for our 40,000 North Carolina athletes by hopping on your treadmills, stationary bike, walk with your family, or jog with your dog to start racking up those meaningful miles!