2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics is the largest year-round public awareness and grassroots fundraising campaign for Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, as well as Special Olympics State, National, Regional, and World Games. Annually, more than 110,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and the celebration of diversity while uniting communities around the globe. Here in North Carolina, nearly 2,000 law enforcement personnel support NC LETR annually.

The LETR for Special Olympics engages law enforcement worldwide, championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting within their own communities. Over the years, the Torch Run has evolved and now encompasses a variety of innovative fundraising events, including the Plane Pull®, Polar Plunge®, Tip-A-Cop®, Truck Convoy, and more. Since its inception, LETR has raised more than $1.1 billion worldwide, with more than $37 million raised for Special Olympics North Carolina.

The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run is to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics.

On 05/14/2026, here in Rutherford County, law enforcement officers from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Lure Police Department, Spindale Police Department, Forest City Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina DAC Probation and Parole, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and Rutherford County EMS participated in the local Law Enforcement Torch Run. The run took place along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, covering the entire 13.58 miles from the trailhead in Gilkey to the trail’s end at Forest W. Hunt Elementary School.

To cover the distance of the trail, officers from each participating agency completed different stages of the route, with some participants running half or even the entire distance themselves. During portions of the run, local Special Olympics athletes joined local law enforcement officers for the event.

Each year, agencies across Rutherford County are proud to come together in support of local Special Olympics athletes and the dedicated organizers who work tirelessly for the athletes of Rutherford County.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Lake Lure Police Department, Spindale Police Department, Forest City Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina DAC Probation and Parole, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and Rutherford County EMS for participating in the local Law Enforcement Torch Run. We would also like to thank the local Special Olympics organizers and Rutherford Life Services for their continued support and dedication to the athletes of Rutherford County.