North Carolina's Special Olympics Torch Run Celebrates 2026 Season

Law enforcement personnel and community members join the annual fundraising relay across the state.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 5:07am

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors, with dynamic brushstrokes capturing the movement and energy of a running relay event.The annual Special Olympics Torch Run relay brings together law enforcement, athletes, and community members in a colorful celebration of inclusion and athletic spirit.Salisbury Today

North Carolina's Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest year-round fundraising campaign for Special Olympics in the state, with nearly 2,000 law enforcement personnel participating annually. The 2026 season features multiple events leading up to the Final Leg on May 29, when the Flame of Hope culminates at the Special Olympics NC Summer Games Opening Ceremony in Raleigh.

Why it matters

The Special Olympics Torch Run is a beloved annual tradition that brings together law enforcement, government officials, and community members to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics. It highlights the strong community support for people with intellectual disabilities in North Carolina.

The details

The Torch Run features multiple events across the state, with the Final Leg on May 29 when the Flame of Hope arrives at the Special Olympics NC Summer Games Opening Ceremony in Raleigh. Law enforcement personnel and community members participate by running or walking a portion of the relay, passing the torch from one runner to the next. The event is not a race, but rather a celebratory procession held at a 12-minute mile pace.

  • The 2026 Torch Run season features multiple events leading up to the Final Leg on May 29.
  • The Final Leg of the Torch Run will culminate at the Special Olympics NC Summer Games Opening Ceremony in Raleigh on May 29, 2026.

The players

North Carolina's Law Enforcement Torch Run

The largest year-round fundraising campaign for Special Olympics in the state, with nearly 2,000 law enforcement personnel participating annually.

Sgt. Adam Bouk

Salisbury Police Department sergeant who coordinates the North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Sgt. Meredith Walker

Salisbury Police Department sergeant who coordinates the North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run.

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What they’re saying

“Our fundraising goal is a big one this year. Our goal last year was $15,000 and we hit $24,600. So, we will push for $35,000 this year, Aim high, hit high, I hope!”

— Sgt. Adam Bouk, Salisbury Police Department

“There are several of the Rowan County athletes that go to the state games. That is the weekend of May 29-31 this year. We went last year and ran the final leg of the Torch Run, did the opening ceremony and then hung the medals around the athletes' necks after the games the following day. About 1,500 athletes compete free of charge in eight sports. We are going again for the final leg this year as well. All of this has been the highlight of my law enforcement career.”

— Sgt. Adam Bouk, Salisbury Police Department

What’s next

The Final Leg of the 2026 North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run will take place on May 29, culminating at the Special Olympics NC Summer Games Opening Ceremony in Raleigh.

The takeaway

The Special Olympics Torch Run is a cherished annual tradition that brings together law enforcement, government officials, and community members to support athletes with intellectual disabilities. The event's growth in fundraising and participation over the years demonstrates the strong community spirit and commitment to inclusion in North Carolina.