Close to 600 police officers from throughout Delaware will participate in the milestone 40th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Delaware, scheduled for June 10-12, 2026. The officers will carry the Flame of Hope to honor Special Olympics Delaware athletes.
The inspiring three-day journey will cover multiple segments from Fenwick Island to Wilmington, demonstrating law enforcement’s unwavering dedication to inclusion and supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Since beginning, Delaware’s Law Enforcement Torch Run has generated more than $13 million to fund year-round athletic training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Wednesday, June 10
The northern route kicks off at 9:00 a.m. from New Castle County Police Department, proceeding to Wilmington PD for a 9:30 a.m. ceremony, then continuing via Kirkwood Highway to Delaware State Police Troop 6.
The southern route starts at 3:30 p.m. in Fenwick Island, traveling to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand for a 7:00 p.m. ceremony. After the ceremony, officers and athletes will run one mile to Grove Park.
Thursday, June 11
Two southern torch segments begin early morning—from Delmar PD at 6:15 a.m. and Georgetown Circle at 6:55 a.m.—merging in Harrington and proceeding to Dover for a 1:45 p.m. ceremony at Legislative Mall.
The northern segment departs Middletown PD at 10:30 a.m., also reaching Dover for the afternoon ceremony. Law enforcement personnel, Special Olympics athletes, and state legislators are welcome to participate.
Friday, June 12
The torch departs Newark Shopping Center at 2:30 p.m. and concludes its journey with the final segment to the University of Delaware’s Bob Carpenter Center, where the 2026 Summer Games Opening Ceremony begins around 4:00 p.m.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run represents more than just a relay—it serves as a beacon of hope, inclusion, and community spirit. Officers from police departments statewide unite to celebrate the courage and perseverance of Special Olympics athletes while helping guarantee Delaware athletes maintain access to opportunities for skill development, confidence building, and friendship.
Special Olympics Delaware provides year-round training and competition opportunities across 16 sports, supported by a dedicated community of volunteers, coaches, and sponsors. Events like the Torch Run help enable these experiences for thousands of athletes throughout the state.
