Sports
Special Olympics Torch Run Across New Hampshire
The trek began early Wednesday in Hillsborough, picking up momentum and others along the route through Henniker and Hopkinton.
Above, Special Olympics participants and friends gather for a group photo Wednesday JEFFREY HASTINGS photo
The "Flame of Hope" made a triumphant journey through the Granite State Wednesday as hundreds of law enforcement officers, local students, and Special Olympics athletes joined forces for the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Find out what's happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The annual event, which serves as a powerful symbol of community unity and inclusion, saw participants lace up their sneakers to run and walk from various hometowns across New Hampshire, all converging on the state capital.
The trek began early Wednesday in Hillsborough, picking up momentum and additional participants along the route as it passed through Henniker and Hopkinton.
Find out what's happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A Grand Entry at the State House
By afternoon, runners from every corner of the state met at the Common Man restaurant in Concord. From there, the massive group united for a final, high-energy leg toward the New Hampshire State House.
A vibrant crowd of supporters lined the streets, cheering loudly as the athletes and officers made their grand entry onto the State House plaza. The afternoon culminated in the official lighting of the symbolic Olympics Torch, marking the official kickoff celebrations for the Special Olympics New Hampshire Summer Games.
Posing for a photo in front of the State House Wednesday. JEFFREY HASTINGS photo
Next Stop: Durham
The Torch Run is far from over. The Flame of Hope will rest briefly in Concord before embarking on the final leg of its journey.
Runners will depart Concord on Friday morning at 3:00 AM, carrying the torch eastward to Durham, where it will take center stage at the Summer Games' opening ceremonies.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run remains the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising vehicle for the Special Olympics worldwide, championing a message of acceptance and diversity with every mile.
This article first appeared on InDepthNH.org and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
