Bettendorf Police Department Hosts Starting Line of Annual Torch Run May 20th

APRIL 23, 2024 - If you see a group of law enforcement officers running through the streets of Bettendorf and Davenport next month - don't panic! It's all for a good cause.

On Monday, May 20^th at 10am, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics begins outside the Bettendorf Police Department - 1609 State Street, Bettendorf. Officers will carry the Special Olympics Flame of Hope for 6.3 miles as they head east on State Street, turn north onto 18^th Street, connect with the bike path at Parkway Drive, take that path into Davenport, and end at Rookies Sports Bar, 2818 N. Brady Street, Davenport.

You do not have to be a sworn law enforcement officer to participate and you are not required to run the entire distance. Support vehicles will be available to provide water and pick up runners.

Whether or not you're a runner, you can also purchase apparel to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics by going to www.bettendorf.org/TorchRunApparel or emailing Officer Ashley Guffey at [email protected] by Tuesday, April 30^th.

ABOUT the Law Enforcement Torch Run: The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in Iowa in 1987 and continues to grow every year. In 2019, it involved 1,000+ law enforcement officers and raised more than $1,200,000 for Special Olympics Iowa Athletes. The Bettendorf Police Department has participated for more than 30 years.

Overall, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle in the world, according to Special Olympics Iowa. The annual Torch Run and its various fundraising projects - Tip-a-Cop, Cop on Rooftop, etc. - have two goals: to raise money and to create awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics.