Law Enforcement Torch Run
Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run
Since its inception in Wichita, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) had raised over 1 billion dollars for Special Olympics programs. This run turned fundraising campaign raises more than just money for athletes.
In late April, the highlight of the Torch Run season begins when the Flame of Hope travels from all corners of the state throughout the month of May to the State Summer Games in Wichita. Officers from many different agencies escort the Flame of Hope on assigned legs throughout their local communities. The “Final Leg” is the culmination of the run, from Wichita City Hall to the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Games at Maize South High School. The Most Inspirational Athlete of the preceding year carries the Torch into the stadium escorted by the officers and together they light the cauldron to open the State Summer Games. Officers award medals throughout the three days of competition.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run ® gives officers, athletes, and the community the opportunity to come together for a superior cause. Whether inspired to volunteer, donate or participate, they can be confident knowing they are supporting the Special Olympics Kansas mission to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to be an athlete… and more… through acceptance, inclusion, physical fitness, health and nutrition programs, and leadership development. – Together we will achieve.
2025 TORCH RUNS
Law Enforcement will be running the Flame of Hope across Kansas leading up to the Final Leg in Wichita to start the 2025 Summer Games! Join in by cheering them on. View route details below. LETR members can register to run in your city. Registration comes with a customizable fundraising page. Participants are required to raise a minimum of $50 to participate in the Torch Run.
Don’t see a Torch Run in your town or county? Contact Jake and let’s carry the FLAME OF HOPE through your community. To get started, review the Leg Coordinator’s checklist, then download the registration form, complete it, and send it to Special Olympics Kansas.
MORE THAN A RUN
Click on each event to learn about what we do and how you can get involved.
The Polar Plunge is a fun, one-of-a-kind fundraising event where participants raise money for Special Olympics Kansas by braving the cold and jumping into icy Kansas waters. Offered in 9 cities accross the state, you can run in a frozen lake or take the plunge into our mobile plunge trailer. Whether you’re plunging with a team, going solo, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a memorable way to make an impact—and prove you’re Freezin’ for a Reason!
To get involved or to bring this event to your community, contact Jake at lamunyonj@soks.org.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Midnight Run is a unique late-night race that unites athletes, law enforcement officers, and community members under the stars—all to support Special Olympics Kansas.
Held annually, the event features both 5K and 10K race options, inviting runners of all levels to lace up and take part in an evening dedicated to inclusion, awareness, and community spirit. The timed race offers participants the opportunity to challenge themselves physically while contributing to a greater cause—empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports, health, and leadership programming.
More than just a run, the Midnight Run captures the essence of the Law Enforcement Torch Run’s mission: bringing people together to champion respect, acceptance, and opportunity for all. Local officers not only organize and participate in the race but also celebrate alongside Special Olympics athletes, reinforcing the shared commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Whether runners are chasing personal bests or simply enjoying the energy of a midnight event, the Midnight Run stands as a powerful reminder that every step taken helps illuminate the path toward inclusion—one stride, one athlete, and one community at a time.
To get involved or to bring this event to your community, contact Ryan at warrenr@soks.org.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Lemonade Battle in Garden City is a spirited community fundraiser that highlights the camaraderie and good-natured competition between first responders—all in support of Special Olympics Kansas.
Hosted at Golden Plains Credit Union, the event brings together local fire, EMS, police, sheriff’s office, and highway patrol teams who go head-to-head in a friendly “Red vs. Blue” lemonade competition. Community members show their support by sampling each team’s lemonade and “voting” with donations, with every dollar benefiting Special Olympics Kansas athletes.
More than a contest, the Lemonade Battle exemplifies the mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run: uniting law enforcement officers and community members to raise awareness and funds for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The event fosters connection between first responders and the public while promoting inclusion and support for athletes across the state.
Proceeds from the Lemonade Battle directly support year-round sports training, health initiatives, and leadership programs through Special Olympics Kansas. Events like this demonstrate how LETR extends beyond the Torch Run—building partnerships, creating joyful experiences, and inspiring communities to rally behind the athletes who embody courage, determination, and teamwork every day.
To get involved or to bring this event to your community, contact Katelyn at andristk@soks.org.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Community Car Show is a unique event that showcases how local law enforcement officers, community members, and Special Olympics Kansas athletes come together beyond the traditional Torch Run.
Held annually in partnership with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and the Pittsburg Police Department, the event brings together car enthusiasts from across the region for a day celebrating inclusion and connection. Hosted at Gorilla Village on the Pittsburg State University campus, the car show features a wide variety of vehicles—from vintage classics and custom builds to first responder displays like fire trucks and police cruisers.
Special Olympics Kansas athletes are at the heart of the event, interacting with participants, selecting their favorite vehicles in the Athlete Choice Award, and helping highlight the impact of LETR’s year-round commitment to athletes across Kansas.
Proceeds from the car show directly benefit Special Olympics Kansas, supporting programs that provide sports training, health education, and leadership opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
This event is an example of how LETR extends beyond the road—building relationships, fostering community engagement, and raising critical funds that make inclusion possible in every region of the state.
For more information about the Crawford County Community Car Show, contact Erin Fletcher at fletchere@soks.org.
The Truck Convoy is a celebration of the trucking industry, law enforcement, and Special Olympics athletes all coming together for a great cause. Professional truck drivers raise funds and then take part in a police-escorted convoy cheered on by athletes and the community along the route.
The event began in 2001 with a single convoy in Florida and has since grown into an international movement, with convoys rolling through cities across the United States and Canada each year. Kansas is proud to be part of this tradition, showcasing the generosity of the trucking industry and the strong bond between drivers, law enforcement, and Special Olympics athletes.
We host a Southwest Truck Convoy in Dodge City and a Northwest Truck Convoy in Colby. Proceeds directly support year-round sports, health, and leadership programs for Special Olympics Kansas athletes, making the Truck Convoy a powerful display of unity, inclusion, and support. Contact Katelyn Andrist at andristk@soks.org for more information or to get involved.
The Heroes Pull, hosted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) in Shawnee, showcases the power of teamwork and community spirit in support of Special Olympics Kansas. In this unique event, teams compete to pull first responder vehicles weighing up to 1,500 pounds across the finish line in the fastest time. You can also try it alone!
More than just a test of strength, the Heroes Pull highlights the partnership between local law enforcement and the community, raising both funds and awareness for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Teams are recognized not only for speed but also for fundraising efforts, with special acknowledgment for those raising $1,000 or more.
The Heroes Pull reflects LETR’s commitment to creating engaging, inclusive events beyond traditional runs, demonstrating the fun, high-energy ways law enforcement supports Special Olympics Kansas while promoting teamwork, perseverance, and community pride.
To get involved or to bring this event to your community, contact Ryan at warrenr@soks.org.
The Battle of the Badges can be done in many ways. Sometimes officers from different departments go against each other at restaurants to see which team can raise the most money, sometimes it’s sports tournaments.
The Battle of the Badges Kickball Tournament, hosted by the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) at Hayden High School in Topeka, brings together local first responders for a lively display of teamwork, skill, and friendly competition in support of Special Olympics Kansas.
Teams of law enforcement officers compete on the kickball court for bragging rights, while the community rallies behind them, celebrating sportsmanship, camaraderie, and inclusion. The event also features a silent auction, offering another way to contribute to athletes with intellectual disabilities.
This tournament highlights LETR’s commitment to creating engaging, high-energy events beyond traditional runs, demonstrating how law enforcement and the community can come together to support Special Olympics Kansas through fun, meaningful experiences.
To get involved or to bring this event to your community, contact Katelyn at andristk@soks.org.
Tip-A-Cop®, organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR), transforms law enforcement officers into “celebrity waiters” to raise funds for Special Olympics Kansas. Officers volunteer at restaurants, entertainment venues, and other local businesses to greet guests, serve food and beverages, and collect tips—100% of which stay with the local Special Olympics program to support athletes in their communities.
Held year-round at locations across the state, Tip-A-Cop® events showcase the unique ways LETR engages with communities beyond traditional runs, combining service, teamwork, and fun to benefit Special Olympics athletes. Annual highlights, such as Tip-A-Cop® Week in December and at Topgolf Giving Season in the fall, bring additional attention to this high-impact campaign, allowing law enforcement and the community to come together in support of inclusion and opportunity through sports.
To get involved or to bring this event to your community, contact Jake at lamunyonj@soks.org.
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
Merch now available!
The new Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run T-shirt is now available for purchase for law enforcement agencies and the general public.
This year we have t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, and hoodies available with this design.
If you are an agency coordinator and would like to place your order, please be sure to include your Torch runners as they carry the torch this season.
Agencies, please make your order through SOKS Director or Development & LETR Jake LaMunyon. Email Jake at lamunyonj@soks.org with your order and shipping info.
Everyone else may order with the link below.
general store
For specialized merch like fundraiser or competition merch, visit the Special Olympics Kansas General Store in person at all state competition events throughout the state. Find an event near you.
Resources
our team
THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS KANSAS IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY
