The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Arkansas came through Hope this morning as local law enforcement officers and runners carried the torch through downtown on their way to the State Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies at Harding University in Searcy later this week.

The run began around 8:30 a.m. in Guernsey before making its way down Highway 67 into Hope. Participants turned near Cadence Bank onto Division Street before heading onto Main Street past the SWARK offices and other downtown businesses. The group later stopped briefly at Rainbow of Challenges for refreshments and a short presentation before continuing the journey toward Searcy.

The annual Torch Run helps raise awareness and support for Special Olympics athletes across Arkansas and has grown into a four-day relay covering more than 1,200 miles with more than 700 runners participating statewide.