Special Olympics Torch Run Coming Through Mayfield Heights

The Ohio Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics will bring the "Flame of Hope" through the Hillcrest area today.

Detective Lt. Chris Sonnhalter is one of the three or four officers who will take the torch through Mayfield Heights and has run every year since the city started participating about 10 years ago.

"Just to help the Special Olympics. It's an FOP-sponsored event," Sonnhalter said about why he takes part.

The Northeastern Ohio route starts at 8:30 a.m. on Euclid Avenue (Route 322) and enters Cleveland Heights, then goes through South Euclid and Lyndhurst before reaching Chelmsford Road in at 9:45 a.m.

The schedule has the run reaching Route 91 at 9:54 a.m. and at Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills at 10:03 a.m. From there, the route goes through Pepper Pike, Solon, Twinsburg, Hudson, Stow, Munroe Falls and Tallmadge before ending at Weaver Workshop at 2:16 p.m.

Police officers throughout the state are carrying the torch from June 14-24 to raise funds and awareness of Special Olympics Ohio. Routes culminate in a final leg meeting at the State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus on June 24 and heading into Ohio Stadium for the opening ceremonies.

Sonnhalter said people can still contribute by sending their donations to the police department.