Local law enforcement officers and personnel from Minot Air Force Base braved the spring chill Wednesday morning and hit the pavement to take part in the 2024 Special Olympics North Dakota Torch Run.

Participants started the Torch Run from the SCHEELS parking lot and covered a distance equivalent to a 5K, with an escort of Minot Police vehicles and a city bus. The cohort from Minot were among 400 officers taking part throughout the state this year, raising money and carrying the “Flame of Hope” for the more than 1,300 athletes who participate in the 14 sports offered by the Special Olympics of North Dakota (SOND).

The Law Enforcement Torch Run in North Dakota began in 1985 to raise awareness for SOND and the State Summer Games, being held in Fargo on Saturday and Sunday. The Summer Games were moved up on the calendar this year to accommodate participants who will be competing at the North Dakota High School State Track meet next weekend at the Community Bowl in Bismarck.