SOMO News
RELEASE: Missouri Law Enforcement Unites for 40th Annual Torch Run to Support Special Olympics
JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Law enforcement officers from across Missouri are set to participate in the 40th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR), a significant statewide initiative supporting Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO). This year’s event will take place from May 19 through May 30, culminating in the Final Leg in Kirksville on May 30, just before the official start of the 2025 State Summer Games.
The LETR is more than a run; it’s a movement that brings together law enforcement personnel and community members to raise awareness and funds for SOMO athletes. Over the years, the Torch Run has grown exponentially, with officers covering hundreds of miles across the state, symbolizing the commitment to inclusion and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Event Highlights:
- Dates: May 19–30, 2025
- Final Leg: May 30 in Kirksville, MO
- Participants: Law enforcement officers from over 100 agencies statewide
- Purpose: To raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Missouri athletes
About the Law Enforcement Torch Run®
Initiated in 1986 by the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® has become the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics. In Missouri, the LETR has raised over $40.5 million since its inception, with officers participating in various fundraising activities, including the Torch Run, Polar Plunges, Tip-A-Cop events, and more.
The 2025 Torch Run route schedule is linked below. If you have questions or would like more information regarding the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, please visit www.somo.org/letr or contact Crystal Schuster, Sr. Director of Community Development, at cschuster@somo.org or (573) 469-7839.