Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Nebraska (LETR) will be hosting Torch Run events throughout the state throughout the month of May.  These Torch Runs bring together local law enforcement, Special Olympics Nebraska (SONE) athletes, supporters and volunteers to run the SONE “Flame of Hope” through their community to raise money and awareness for SONE and the organization’s over 7,600 athletes who have an intellectual disability.

The Torch Run culminates at the SONE State Summer Games.  The final Torch Run will take place during Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Games, on the evening of Thursday, May 22nd.

The cost to register is $25 and includes a 2025 LETR t-shirt. To be guaranteed a t-shirt, you must register for the run by May 1st (one t-shirt per registrant).  The t-shirt comes in youth and adult sizes, is olive green and a soft cotton fabric.  It will be mailed to the address used to register.

You can register to run in your community through our fundraising site using the Online Registration link below or by filling out our Torch Run Waiver below and turning it in to your run coordinator. 

If you wish to only purchase a t-shirt  and not run, you can do so using the registration link below as well. 

COMMUNITY TORCH RUN SCHEDULE

Location: AURORA
Date: May 8th
Start:  5:30p.m.
Event:  Start at the county courthouse, west to 8th Street and north to Cole Park
Contact:  Jeromy McCoy, jmccoy@hamiltoncountysheriff.org

Location: NORTH PLATTE
Date: May 13th
Start: 4:00p.m. 
Event:  Start at the Bomgaars parking lot and end at the Pizza Ranch parking lot.  
Contact:  Nathan Veal, Nathan.Veal@nebraska.gov

Location:  GRAND ISLAND
Date:  May 14th
Start Time:  12:00p.m.
Event:  Start at Westridge School and run down Mansfield to Resurrection Church where a potluck lunch will be held.
Contact: Michelle Anderson, mbennett446@gmail.com

Location: COLUMBUS
Date: May 14th
Start: 1:00 - 3:00p.m. 
Event:  Run & relays will take place at Memorial Stadium.  
Contact:  Amber Stary, astary03@gmail.com

Location:  MCCOOK
Date:  May 15th
Start:  5:00p.m.
Event:  Run will start and end at The Rustic Market on 1st in McCook. (210 W 1st Street).  The run will be about 1 mile. 
Contact:  Webethestevens@aol.com

Location:  LEXINGTON
Date:  May 16th
Start:  2:00p.m.
Event:  It’s a 2-mile route ending at the local YMCA, where there will be a hydration station at the finish.
Contact:  kmcdougall@cityoflex.com

Location: OGALLALA
Date: May 18th
Start: 3:00p.m. MT
Event:  We will start and finish at the Kathleen Lute Public Library address 610 W A St, Ogallala, NE 69153.
Contact:  Amanda Martin, Amanda.Martin@nebraska.gov

Location:  KEARNEY 
Date:  May 19th 
Start:  4:00p.m.
Event:  The run will take place from Younes to the Sports Plex running down Talmadge.  At the Sports Plex we will take photos, eat some food, and explore emergency services vehicles. Please attend if you can!  
Contact: Derrick Hosick, DHosick@kearneygov.org

Location:  SCOTTSBLUFF/GERING
Date:  May 19th
Registration:  4:30 – 5:30p.m.
Start:  5:30p.m.
Event:  Run will take place from the Monument to either Legion Park or the Fire Dept, depending on the weather. On-site registration will take place in the Monument parking lot.
Contact:  Jason Rogers, JRogers@gering.org

Location:  OMAHA
Date: May 20th 
Registration:  12:00p.m.
Start:  12:00 – 1:00p.m.
Event: Buy a T-shirt, Walk, Jog, or Run a 5K to support Special Olympics.  Runners should meet in Gene Leahy Mall at 12:00 to kick off the Torch Run where participants will have the option to walk, jog, run or take photos with the torch.  
Contact:  Marcus Taylor, marcus.taylor@cityofomaha.org

Location: BEATRICE
Date: May 20th
Registration:  4:30p.m.
Start:  5:30p.m.
Event: The run will begin at 19th and Court with Law Enforcement, Fire, and Freedom Riders. We will meet in the Family Fare Parking Lot at 430 for a day of registration. The run will begin at 530. Athletes have the ability to participate in the whole event, or join us at 8th and Court Street on the north side of the street. The run will end in the 100 block of N 5th Street. We will have food available from Kala's Sifted Sweets and drinks from Louie's Coffee. Contact: Courtney Brauch, cbrauch@beatrice.ne.gov or Heather Cullison, wehave3boys@yahoo.com

Location:  LINCOLN
Date:  May 21st 
Start:  12:00p.m.
Event:  Run begins at noon on the campus of UNL, followed by a ceremony beginning at 12:30p.m. on the steps of the Lincoln Police Department headquarters. 
Contact: Lynette Russell, LPD1254@cjis.lincoln.ne.gov