History and Facts

History of the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run

Chief Richard LaMunyon of the Wichita, Kansas, Police Department, is recognized as the founder of the movement known as the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in 1981. However, Michigan also held a run for Special Olympics that year and it was run by several deputies from the Macomb County Sheriffs Office. That run started out with a small group of officers climbing into a cargo/passenger van and driving to the Upper Peninsula and running south to the Detroit area over several days in hopes of raising money along the way. This group of dedicated officers continued to run for the next couple of years, and when Law Enforcement Torch Run came to Michigan in 1984, provided the framework for what is now called our Central Route.

Since 1984 Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run has continued to grow in both size and in monies raised, which in turn created awareness for Special Olympics. Michigan has the longest non-stop relay run, 750 miles, which starts at Copper Harbor (tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula) in the western Upper Peninsula and finishes just outside of Detroit. Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run raises money throughout the year through Polar Plunges, Fire Truck Pulls, Community Runs, and selling T-shirts and Raffle Tickets.

History of the Law Enforcement Torch Run®
The Torch Run began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas, Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw a need to raise funds for, and awareness of, Kansas Special Olympics. LaMunyon felt that Special Olympics was a fitting cause to unite local law enforcement officers, giving them closer ties to the community and to a very special population.

After three years of success, LaMunyon presented his highly successful Torch Run program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP, whose enthusiastic support enable the Torch Run to expand to nine states). Two years later, The Good Sam Club, a national organization of recreation vehicle owners, volunteered to provide massive logistical assistance as a National Support Sponsor. As the Torch Run continued to grow, it took on another dimension: International Games Torch Run. In 1987 the sponsors and organizers created the "Final Leg" - a Torch Run extravaganza in which law enforcement representatives carried the Special Olympics Torch from Chicago, the site of the first Special Olympics Games in 1968, to the 7th International Summer Special Olympics Games in South Bend, Indiana. Now, every two years there is a special Torch Run leading to the Special Olympics World Summer Games and World Winter Games. These Torch Runs are comprised of runners from every state and participating country.

How are funds raised?
A diverse mix of strategies are used to meet the Torch Run's annual fundraising goal. In 2011 Torch Run has a goal of raising $1,000,000 for Special Olympics Michigan. Many agencies and correctional facilities hold their own fundraisers such as hot dog sales, golf outings and Fire Truck pulls.

In addition to these local events, there are several statewide fundraising efforts. These efforts include: Law Enforcement Torch Run® t-shirt sales, teddy bear sales, a trip raffle, a sportsperson raffle, Polar Plunges, Community Runs and Torch Rides.

Money is also received from sponsors and straight donations.

Where does the money go?
The money raised by Michigan's Law Enforcement Torch Run® program benefits over 20,000 athletes in Michigan. The funds raised by Torch Run goes towards athlete uniforms, sports equipment, facility and housing fees, and coaches training.