Clallam Law Enforcement Torch Run to Benefit Special Olympics Washington

Law enforcement officers and first responders from across the region will lace up their running shoes on Friday, June 26, to carry the “Flame of Hope” across Clallam County in support of Special Olympics Washington.

The 2026 Clallam County Law Enforcement Torch Run, a 34-mile relay, will kick off at 7 a.m. at Laird’s Corner in Port Angeles.

Runners will follow the Olympic Discovery Trail through Port Angeles, Sequim, and Blyn before crossing the finish line at 7 Cedars Casino.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraising and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics worldwide.

Funds raised locally through community donations and commemorative shirt sales help provide athletes with intellectual disabilities access to year-round sports training, competitions, health programs, and leadership opportunities.

“This event is about much more than running,” Clallam County Undersheriff Lorraine Shore, the local Torch Run Coordinator, said.

“It’s about supporting incredible athletes, building community partnerships, and raising funds that directly impact Special Olympics participants throughout the year.”

The relay run will feature a broad coalition of local agencies.

Participating personnel include representatives from the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, Port Angeles Police Department, Lower Elwha Police Department, Sequim Police Department, and the Jamestown S’Klallam Police Department.

Runners from the Washington State Department of Corrections, Olympic National Park, Clallam County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, and the Sheriff’s Office Olympic Discovery Trail Bike Patrol Team will also participate.

Community Walks

While the 34-mile trek is tackled by the relay teams, organizers are encouraging the public to line the route to cheer on the runners or join in on two designated community walks:

• Port Angeles Waterfront Community Walk (8:30 a.m.): Held on the Port Angeles Waterfront Trail. The public is invited to walk alongside Clallam County Sheriff Brian King, Port Angeles Police Chief Brian Smith, Lower Elwha Police Lt. Jimmy Thompson, Special Olympics athletes, and their families.
• Sequim Community Walk (Approx. 12:45 p.m.): Walkers will gather at the intersection of East Fir Street and North Blake Avenue. Sequim Police Chief Mike Hill will join athletes and their families to help carry the flame through Carrie Blake Park and into Sequim.

Finale Celebration

The day’s events will culminate with a finale celebration at 2 p.m. in the 7 Cedars Casino RV Parking Lot in Blyn.

During the finale, Clallam County runners will ceremonially pass the flame to representatives from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

The event, which is open to the public, will double as a community meet-and-greet featuring an interactive display of public safety equipment.

Attendees can explore armored rescue vehicles from the Clallam and Jefferson County Crisis Response Teams, as well as fire apparatus and equipment from Clallam County Fire District 3.

A shaved ice cart will also be on-site to help attendees and athletes cool down.

Community members wishing to support the Clallam County Law Enforcement Torch Run team can make a secure donation online at https://impact.sowa.org/team/829903.

For more information about the Clallam County Law Enforcement Torch Run, contact Undersheriff Lorraine Shore at 360-417-2570 or Lorraine.shore@clallamcountywa.gov.