CLERMONT, Fla. — Law enforcement agencies across Lake County are scheduled to take part Thursday in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics Florida.
The event will begin at the Special Olympics Florida state office.
Registration opens at 9 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Organizers said walkers will begin at 9:45 a.m., with runners starting at 10 a.m.
The Torch Run is a yearly law enforcement fundraising effort that supports Special Olympics athletes through relay runs held around the world.
In Florida, organizers say officers from more than 300 local, state and federal agencies participate, with about 5,000 officers carrying the torch across all 67 counties during a 1,500-mile relay.
The statewide effort ends during opening ceremonies for Special Olympics Florida’s State Summer Games.
Additional fundraising takes place through sales of Torch Run shirts and hats, along with events such as Tip-A-Cop, where officers volunteer in local restaurants to raise money.
Special Olympics officials say the Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $1 billion globally since it began in 1981.
A full list of Florida Torch Run routes is available through Special Olympics Florida.
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