26th Annual Virginia Torch Run Passes Through GW Parkway Today

The Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run, benefiting Special Olympics Virginia, is set to pass through parts of Alexandria and Fairfax County today.

The annual grassroots event has raised $12 million since it began in 1986.

Officers will carry the Flame of Hope from the Washington Sailing Marina near Ronald Reagan National Airport to Jones Point, a leg of almost four miles. It will begin at the Iwo Jima Memorial at 9:30 a.m. before making its way to the marina.

Each June, more than 2,000 law enforcement officers carry the Flame of Hope more than 1,900 miles across Virginia to kick off the Summer Games in Richmond. 

The event had its ceremonial kick-off in May in Reston and the actual run began on June 3 in Bristol.

Since 1986, police departments, sheriff’s offices, regional jails, correctional and probation officers, as well as other law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), pound the pavement every day to organize fundraisers and more importantly, promote the mission of Special Olympics.

The Fairfax County Police Department and the Alexandria Police Department have partnered with Special Olympics Virginia almost since the inception of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, raising funds and awareness about intellectual disabilities. 

For more information, visit the Torch Run Web site at www.torchrunva.com.