LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 14, 2026) - The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is inviting community members to participate in the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Leonardtown High School. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., with the event starting at 8:00 a.m. Participants may walk, run, or ruck.
The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run unites participants from across the United States and more than 40 countries in support of Special Olympics athletes. Locally, the event brings together law enforcement officers, community members, businesses, and supporters to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Maryland.
New this year, the St. Mary’s County event will include a ruck division. Teams are encouraged to participate in friendly competitions while supporting Special Olympics athletes and the mission of inclusion and opportunity through sports.
Participants who want their time officially recorded or who plan to participate in the ruck must preregister online at www.runtheday.com by searching “SMCSO – Law Enforcement Torch Run/Ruck.” The event is chip-timed, and online registration is $38.45. Online registration closes Aug. 31.
Community members who do not wish to be timed and plan to walk or run may participate by purchasing an official 2026 Torch Run hat or T-shirt for $20. Those who do not plan to participate in the event are also encouraged to purchase and wear event merchandise to support Special Olympics athletes.
Official Torch Run hats and T-shirts are available in advance or on-site on the day of the event. Advance purchases may be made at the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, 23150 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Payment may be made by cash or Venmo. Merchandise is also available at the District 3 Station, 23125 Camden Way in California.
Community members may also arrange advance purchases by contacting Sgt. Angela Delozier at Angela.Delozier@stmaryscountymd.gov.
Additional information, registration details, merchandise purchases, and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.firstsheriff.com/community/torch-run.
