About LETR

Law Enforcement Torch Run

LETR Fast Facts

In 1981, Chief Richard LaMunyon of the Wichita, Kansas Police Department created the Law Enforcement Torch Run® as a way to involve his officers in the community by running a torch relay for their local Special Olympics.
The first Torch Run involved six officers and they raised $300.
The Torch Run has grown to include more than 125 runs in 48 nations.
Since its inception, more than 100,000 law enforcement officers have raised $1 billion for the Special Olympics movement worldwide.

- The 2024 Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run program raised $1.2 million through special fundraising events. Officers from law enforcement agencies across the state volunteer their time to support their local athletes and collect donations from civic groups, local businesses and generous community members.
- In the 2024 Torch Run, over 3,000 law enforcement officers proudly carried the Special Olympics Torch across 950+ miles and through 200+ communities, spreading awareness and championing inclusion throughout Southern California.
- Every dollar raised by local law enforcement directly supports SOSC athletes by covering transportation, uniforms, equipment, and venue costs, ensuring athletes can train and compete at no cost to them.