Law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes run the final stretch toward Veterans Park in Marysville during the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run on May 29.

 

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Local law enforcement and public safety agencies kicked off the weekend May 29 by carrying the "Flame of Hope" through Yuba City and Marysville as part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Northern California.

The Yuba-Sutter leg of the run drew 55 law enforcement and public safety officers and raised $2,835 for Special Olympics, according to Jonnie Hagan, area director for Yuba, Sutter and Colusa counties with Special Olympics Northern California. Across Northern California, more than 2,000 people registered to participate.

The approximately three-mile route began at the California Highway Patrol's Yuba-Sutter office on Poole Boulevard in Yuba City before continuing along Civic Center Boulevard and Colusa Avenue. Runners stopped at Wheeler Auto Center for a torch handoff before continuing across the POW/MIA Bridge into Marysville and down H Street to Veterans Park.

From left, Special Olympics athletes Damian, Wyatt and Derek celebrate after completing the Yuba-Sutter leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run at Veterans Park in Marysville on May 29.

Unseasonably cool weather and overcast skies made the morning more comfortable for runners, but the route still presented challenges, especially while crossing the bridge. Brian Danielson of the California Highway Patrol's Yuba-Sutter office said the run was divided into two segments, with some participants completing the first 1.9-mile leg to Wheeler Auto Center and others continuing through the final stretch into Marysville.

"This last part was the harder stretch," Danielson said. "The first segment is 1.9 miles, and this was about 1.1, but you have that uphill climb and then the downhill too, so it's a lot on the legs."

Derek, a Special Olympics athlete participating in the Torch Run for the first time, agreed the bridge was the most difficult part but said he enjoyed running alongside local law enforcement.

"It was awesome," he said. "I can't believe they do this every year."

Wyatt, another Special Olympics athlete, has participated in the Torch Run for the past three years. He described the run as tiring but worthwhile.

Torch Run participants carry flags and the Flame of Hope as they enter Veterans Park in Marysville at the conclusion of the approximately three-mile Yuba-Sutter route on May 29.

"I'm just glad I could keep up with the law enforcement," Wyatt said. "I'll be doing this until the day I can't run, and then I'll try and do it in my wheelchair."

Wyatt said he trains at Future Fitness and has competed in track and field and swimming through Special Olympics. He said he is not sure whether he will compete this year but may participate if a spot opens up.

For Hagan, the morning was about more than the distance covered or the money raised.

"There were some truly beautiful moments throughout the day," Hagan said.

Law enforcement officers, public safety personnel and Special Olympics athletes begin the Yuba-Sutter leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run near the California Highway Patrol's Yuba-Sutter office on Poole Boulevard in Yuba City on May 29.

Hagan recalled one athlete with significant physical disabilities who was determined to run and chose one of the most challenging sections of the course. As he fell behind the group, Hagan said she thought she would need to circle back to help him finish. Instead, an officer wearing a knee brace stayed with him the entire way.

"They crossed the finish line together to cheers from all the participating officers," Hagan said. "It was an incredible sight and honestly brought tears to my eyes."

Hagan said another athlete who had always wanted to participate finally had the opportunity this year, with his parents watching proudly as he completed the event.

"Watching his parents tear up with pride and emotion as he completed the event was unforgettable," Hagan said.

For Hagan, those moments reflected the purpose of the Torch Run and the relationship between local law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes.

"Without even realizing it, the officers helped fulfill dreams, create lasting memories and remind our athletes of what they are capable of achieving," Hagan said.

For more information about Special Olympics Northern California, visit http://sonc.org