Event Description

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, April 5th. 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.