Law enforcement officers from over 300 Florida agencies — Police departments, Sheriff’s offices, FL Dept of Corrections, FL Dept of Law Enforcement, FBI, DEA, U.S. Customs, Air Force Police and FL Fish and WildLife Conservation Commission — all participate in the state-wide torch run to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida. Each year, over 5,000 officers carry the torch on a 1500-mile relay through 67 counties in Florida.
The intrastate torch relay will start at the end of March and culminate at the Opening Ceremony of our Special Olympics Florida State Games. Officers from around the state join together to bring the Flame of Hope™ into the stadium.
The torch will arrive in Manatee County on Saturday, March 21st, 2026. Join us at 8AM for a memorable 5K Run/Walk along the scenic downtown Bradenton Riverwalk, and enjoy camaraderie and post-race food and beverages provided by the Manatee County Sheriff's Department & Bradenton Police Department.
Interested in Sponsoring? Click here!
(**PLEASE EMAIL COMPANY NAME, CONTACT, AMOUNT, AND LOGO TO FIT2TIME@FIT2RUN.COM WITH "TORCH RUN SPONSOR" IN THE SUBJECT LINE. ALL SPONSOR BENEFITS ARE TIME SENSITIVE.**)
**SHIRT SIZES ONLY GUARANTEED TO THOSE WHO SIGN UP PRIOR TO 3/11/2026.**
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
Manatee County 5K Closed
Online registration closed-
Join with Florida Law Enforcement Agencies for a memorable 5K along the scenic Bradenton Riverwalk. Registration includes chip timed race bib, a 2026 Manatee County 5K race shirt, finisher's medal, and post-race food and drinks. Runner's must be 5 years of age or older. Any child 4 or under must remain in a stroller if they are going to be with their parents/guardian during the 5K. *Please note, shirt sizes are first come first serve. After a shirt size is sold out, you will be able to choose from the remaining shirt sizes, or choose the no shirt option. A discount will not be given if you choose the no shirt option but will be considered a donation to the Special Olympics.*
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$50.36
$45 + Required Taxes and Fees
Jan 16 – Mar 20 -
$55.73
$50 + Required Taxes and Fees
Mar 21 – Mar 21
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Torch Run Kids Dash (12 & Under) Closed
Online registration closed-
Age Bracketed Kids Dashes of varying distances depending on age (3-4) (5-6) (7-9) (10-12). Kids Dashers remain on the closed race course within eyesight of the Start/Finish line. Kids Dashers receive a kids dash bib, a medal, and post-race food and drinks. Kids registering for the 5K are welcome to participate in the Kids Dash as well.
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$23.49
$20 + Required Taxes and Fees
Jan 16 – Mar 20 -
$28.86
$25 + Required Taxes and Fees
Mar 21 – Mar 21
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Sponsorship Closed
Pay as an add on!
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Free
Pay through the store!
Jan 16 - Mar 21
Donate Closed
Pay as an add on!
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Free
Pay through the store!
Jan 16 - Mar 21
For more than 40 years, we have been Guardians of the Flame – a caring legion of protectors who stand alongside the athletes of Special Olympics Florida. We are law enforcement officers from over 300 Florida agencies, participating in a 67-county, statewide torch run to help Special Olympics Florida athletes reach their full potential. To ensure that they are treated with respect and given the opportunities they deserve.
We are part of a movement that began in 1981 and has grown into the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser supporting Special Olympics. It is a global effort that – each year – involves more than 100,000 law enforcement members carrying the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and our effort to build a world where all people are accepted and respected.
Learn More about the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics - Florida here!
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Event schedule
- Thu, March 19, 2026 12:30 PM - Pre-Race Packet Pickup (ends at 4:00 PM)
- Sat, March 21, 2026 7:00 AM - Race Day Registration & Packet Pickup (ends at 7:59 AM Sharp)
- Sat, March 21, 2026 8:00 AM - Torch Run Kids Dash
- Sat, March 21, 2026 8:25 AM - Manatee County 5K
Contact information
- Event contact
- Rick Alvarado
Sponsors
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Gold
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Silver
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