Merced County law enforcement supports Special Olympics with annual Torch Run

Carrying the “Flame of Hope” through city streets, law enforcement officers and first responders from Merced County ran to support Special Olympics Northern California athletes.

Runners were joined by Special Olympics athlete and Merced resident Mark Heffner, 43, who carried the torch along the more than three-mile route through the city. This year’s route saw runners take off from the Merced Civic Center and head west along West 18th Street to R Street. Runners then made their way north along R Street to West Olive Avenue. From there, participants ran east to M Street. Runners then made their way south along M Street to West 18th Street where they finished the run back at the Merced Civic Center.

The run raises money for Special Olympics Northern California, and supports children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. The money raised by the annual fundraiser will go toward covering the cost of an athlete’s training and competitive season.

The annual torch run is a worldwide movement, said Molly Marquez, director of development and law enforcement torch run for Special Olympics Northern California. Marquez. The torch will make its way to Santa Clara where it will light the cauldron for the 2025 summer games.

All programming is offered to the athletes free of charge ensuring there is no burden on them or their families to participate in the sports, leadership courses and health and wellness education. Marquez said it costs about $500 for each athlete to compete year round, assuming they are competing in all seasons.

“Fundraisers like the Law Enforcement Torch Run help make that happen,” Marquez said.

The event also serves to raise awareness of the organization.

“The relationship that the officers have with our athletes is one of a kind,” Marquez. said “Seeing their faces light up when officers come to the competitions to present them with their medals at the end of the competition, it’s really one of a kind. There’s nothing like it.”

Special Olympics Northern California serves about 30,000 athletes, said Marquez, with about 1,000 athletes expected to compete this coming weekend in the 2025 Summer Games in Santa Clara. Athletes will compete in events such as track and field, bocce, swimming and tennis.

“This is always a special event for me,” Merced Police Chief Steven Stanfield said, while addressing participants prior to the run. “For me this hits very close to home. My uncle was a Special Olympics athlete for probably 40 years of his life. He’s no longer with us, but this is always special because as a family this means a lot to us, it means a lot to me.”

Marquez said the Law Enforcement Torch Run is a one of kind event and that it’s exciting to see the torch escorted through Downtown Merced and all different communities.

“We’re so grateful for everyone’s support,” said Marquez. “Whether that’s financial support, whether that’s cheering on our athletes and sending them well wishes, all of it matters and we’re very appreciative.”