DELAWARE. - The 39th Annual Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Delaware will take place June 11–13, bringing nearly 800 law enforcement officers together to carry the “Flame of Hope” across the state.
The 39th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run will take place June 11–13. (Delaware State Police.)
The three-day event supports athletes with intellectual disabilities and helps raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Delaware. Since it began, the Delaware Torch Run has raised more than $12 million to support year-round training and competition for children and adults.
The run includes multiple legs from Fenwick Island to Wilmington, with public ceremonies and community support along the way.
Torch Run Schedule
Wednesday, June 11:
The upstate leg begins at 9 a.m. at the New Castle County Police Department, with a ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at the Wilmington Police Department. From there, officers continue along Kirkwood Highway.
The downstate leg kicks off at 3:30 p.m. in Fenwick Island and heads to Rehoboth Beach, where a ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. at the Bandstand. Afterward, officers and athletes will complete a one-mile run to Grove Park.
Thursday, June 12:
In the early morning, two downstate legs begin—one at 6:15 a.m. in Delmar and the other at 6:55 a.m. in Georgetown. Both groups merge in Harrington and continue on to Dover for a 1:45 p.m. ceremony at Legislative Mall.
The upstate leg begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Middletown Police Department and joins the others in Dover for the afternoon ceremony.
Friday, June 13:
The final leg starts at 4:15 p.m. at the Newark Shopping Center and ends at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware. The Opening Ceremony for the 2025 Summer Games begins at 5 p.m.
More Than a Run
The Torch Run is a symbol of inclusion, unity and support for Special Olympics athletes. Law enforcement officers from across Delaware take part to celebrate the athletes’ determination and raise awareness for people with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics Delaware offers year-round training and competitions in 15 sports. Events like the Torch Run help make these programs possible through the support of volunteers, coaches and donors.