Holiday Torch Run Raises Over $54K

PEABODY, MA – Peabody Police Chief Tom Griffin said the annual Holiday Torch Run 5K, which raises money for the Special Olympics, raised over $54,000 with 350 runners.

"It was a really nice time," said Griffin of the run last week. "They're really good kids. We're just trying to do stuff to help kids with intellectual disabilities."

The run started at Analogic on Centennial Drive at 10 a.m. The event included a Kid's Dash at 9:30 a.m. The final fundraising tally, according to the online progress report, was $54,198. Runners were given bells to tie to their sneakers to add to the festivities, and many teams went all out in their holiday gear.

The post-run party was catered by more than 50 local restaurants donating food and beverages, including Carrabba's, Treadwell's Ice Cream, D'Orsi's Bakery, Bertucci's, Dunkin' Donuts, Brother's Restaurant and Deli, and more.

Images via Peabody Police