Mountain Home to Host Special Olympics Torch Run

Local law enforcement invites public to join annual event kickstarting state games

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:50pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred runners in motion, captured through a hazy, rain-streaked lens and rendered in soft, warm tones, conceptually representing the community spirit of the Special Olympics Torch Run.The annual Torch Run brings the 'Flame of Hope' to Mountain Home, uniting the community in support of the upcoming Special Olympics Arkansas.Mountain Home Today

The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Arkansas will pass through Mountain Home on May 19, with the public invited to register and join local law enforcement in sending the 'Flame of Hope' to Harding University. Hosted by the Mountain Home Police Department, the run will start at the Bomber Plane at the Mountain Home High School Stadium and travel along U.S. Highway 62 West towards the downtown Baker District.

Why it matters

The Torch Run is a key kickoff event for the Special Olympics Arkansas, raising awareness and support for the state's largest sports organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Community participation helps build excitement and unity around the upcoming games.

The details

Any skill level is welcome to participate in the Mountain Home Torch Run, with runners needing to wear the official 2026 event t-shirt. Shirts can be ordered through the Special Olympics Arkansas website by April 30. The run is scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m. on May 19.

  • The Torch Run is an annual event for Special Olympics Arkansas.
  • This year's Mountain Home run is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
  • Runners must order the official 2026 Torch Run t-shirt by April 30.

The players

Mountain Home Police Department

The local law enforcement agency hosting the Torch Run event in Mountain Home.

Special Olympics Arkansas

The state's largest sports organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities, which organizes the annual Torch Run.

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What they’re saying

“Any skill level is welcome to participate.”

— Officer Jimmy Carpenter, Mountain Home Police Department

“This is the second year the flame will pass through Mountain Home on it's route across the state to mark the beginning of the Special Olympics Arkansas.”

— Officer Jimmy Carpenter, Mountain Home Police Department

What’s next

Runners must order the official 2026 Torch Run t-shirt by April 30 to participate in the Mountain Home event on May 19.

The takeaway

The annual Special Olympics Torch Run is a unifying community event that helps kick off the state's largest sports competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities, bringing together local law enforcement and the public to show support.