Special Olympics Mat-Su hosting annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Saturday

WASILLA — Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community is hosting the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run at Wonderland Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 20.

“We're really excited," Special Olympics Mat-Su Public Relations and Communications Chair Volunteer Danielle Sherrer said. “I think it's going to be a really great turnout this year.”

Local law enforcement officers will run alongside community members during a family-friendly 5K.

Walkers, runners, joggers, strollers, and rollerbladers are welcome to participate in this annual fundraising event.

All the money raised during this event will go directly towards supporting over 200 Valley athletes participating in Special Olympics programs, according to Sherrer. She said the need for community support is more important than ever due to the escalated prices for venue equipment, venue cost, and other expenses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Without the generosity and support of our community our Special Olympics Alaska programs would cease in Mat-Su,"

Participants are encouraged to obtain pledges from family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to help raise additional funds for the Torch Run. Those who cannot attend in person can participate virtually and share their photos and videos online.

There will be a community barbecue after the 5K. Sherrer said that American Legion Post 35 provided a donation to help them put it on.

"We're hoping community members will stay and socialize with our athletes and the law enforcement officers there,"

Sherrer said that they're grateful for the continued support from local law enforcement agencies and members of the public for helping them make this event a reality each year.

“Our community loves our athletes," Sherrer said.

Special Olympics Alaska programs across the state are set to participate in this year's event and they will all run with their respective law enforcement agencies and community members at the same time.

Anchorage, Central Peninsula, Craig, Delta Junction, Homer, Juneau, Kodiak, Nome, Seward, Sitka, Valdez, Ketchikan, Mat-Su Valley, and Tanana Valley are participating this year.

Sherrer said the goal is to raise $150,000 statewide with each community retaining the money they raised to support their local Special Olympics programs.

"It is expected to be the largest simultaneous multi-community running event held in Alaska this year," Sherrer said.

There is a $35 minimum pledge for each participant that gives them a free t-shirt and lunch.

Registration for the event opens at 9 a.m. and the run begins at 10 a.m.

For more information or to make a pledge online, visit specialolympicsalaska.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com