The "Flame of Hope" made a triumphant journey through the Granite State today as hundreds of law enforcement officers, local students, and Special Olympics athletes joined forces for the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The annual event, which serves as a powerful symbol of community unity and inclusion, saw participants lace up their sneakers to run and walk from various hometowns across New Hampshire, all converging on the state capital.

The trek for our group began early this morning in Hillsboro, picking up momentum and additional participants along the route as it passed through Henniker and Hopkinton.

A Grand Entry at the State House

By afternoon, runners from every corner of the state met at the Common Man restaurant in Concord. From there, the massive group united for a final, high-energy leg toward the New Hampshire State House.

A vibrant crowd of supporters lined the streets, cheering loudly as the athletes and officers made their grand entry onto the State House plaza. The afternoon culminated in the official lighting of the symbolic Olympic Torch, marking the official kickoff celebrations for the Special Olympics New Hampshire Summer Games.

Next Stop: Durham

The Torch Run is far from over. The Flame of Hope will rest briefly in Concord before embarking on the final leg of its journey.

Runners will depart Concord on Friday morning at 3:00 AM, carrying the torch eastward to Durham, where it will take center stage at the Summer Games' opening ceremonies.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run remains the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising vehicle for the Special Olympics worldwide, championing a message of acceptance and diversity with every mile.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news