The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics began in 1981 and is now the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle.

At a basic level, the Torch Run is an event in which officers and athletes run the "Flame of Hope" to the Opening Ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions, state/provincial Games and National Summer or Winter Games. This torch run event is called the Final Leg because it is the culmination of Torch run events that have occurred throughout the United States.

At its most fully developed, the Torch Run initiative encompasses a variety of fundraising vehicles in addition to the Torch Run itself. Examples of Torch Run fundraising includes T-shirt and merchandise sales, donations or pledges for runners in the Torch Run, corporate donations, special events such as Polar Plunges, golf tournaments or other events that have local appeal.

The Torch Run will begin in Ames, Iowa, and culminate during the Final Leg in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Torch Run Final leg is not only a salute to athletes from around the U.S. who will compete in the USA National Games, but also an honor for the participating law enforcement officers who comprise the Torch Run Final Leg Team. The Final Leg Team includes law enforcement runners, Special Olympic athletes and Support Team members.

Torch Run Final Leg Mission:

• Encourage support and attendance of The Games. 
• Proudly represent law enforcement and Torch Run programs worldwide as a symbol of our deep commitment to the athletes of Special Olympics as we serve as ambassadors for law enforcement, Special Olympics and the National Games. 
• Make athlete involvement a vital part of the Final Leg. 
• Fulfill our role as "Guardians of the Flame" by maintaining the flame lit in Greece until the lighting of the cauldron at The Games Opening Ceremony.
• Develop a media relations strategy to publicize and promote the Final Leg and The Games to the fullest extent. 
• Place emphasis on creating and planning the best ceremonies possible in every community from Iowa to Nebraska to help fulfill the mission of the Final Leg.
• Involve, inspire and motivate runners to increase their level of commitment to Special Olympics when they return to their local programs.