Torch Run Will Pass Through Vernon Hills

Members of the Vernon Hills Police Department will join representatives from law enforcement agencies across Illinois in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on Sunday, June 9.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round fundraising vehicle benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The annual intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and to gain awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Illinois. The Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised nearly $28 million over 27 years while increasing awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments. In 2012,  the Torch Run raised more than $2.98 million.

There are 23 legs of the Torch Run throughout the state. The eighth leg starts in Gurnee at 6:30 a.m. Shortly after 8 a.m., Vernon Hills runners will take the torch at the intersection of Route 21 and Route 60. They will run south approximately three miles to Route 22, where the torch will be handed off for the next section of the trip. The journey ends approximately 21 miles south in Lincolnwood, after joining up with another leg of the run in Niles.

“We’re proud to once again participate in this worthwhile endeavor,” said Vernon Hills Police Chief Mark Fleischhauer. “Running a few miles to raise money is a small sacrifice to make for the athletes who take part in the Special Olympics.” 

The VHPD already raised more than $2,300 this year for Special Olympics Illinois, when six employees (and two family members) literally jumped into Fox Lake for the Polar Plunge on Feb. 24. 

Anyone who would like to learn more about the Torch Run can call (847) 247-4889.

— Information submitted by the Vernon Hills Police Department