Tri-County Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New York Set for Tuesday, May 12

Westchester County, NY — The 2026 Hudson Valley Tri-County Law Enforcement Torch Run will take place on Tuesday, May 12, bringing together law enforcement agencies from Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties for the fifth consecutive year. Officers and community members will unite to carry the “Flame of Hope” in support of Special Olympics New York.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, the Law Enforcement Torch Run is more than a run, it’s a statewide movement led by the “Guardians of the Flame.” More than 6,200 law enforcement officers representing over 470 agencies across New York proudly carry the Flame of Hope each year, raising awareness and critical funds for Special Olympics athletes and their families.

As it has in years past, the New York State Thruway Authority will commemorate the event by lighting the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in red the night of the run, in honor of Special Olympics New York and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Event Details

Start Location: City of Yonkers 3rd Precinct, Riverdale Avenue

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, | 8:00 a.m. start

Distance: Nearly 45 miles

Participants: Law enforcement and first responder agencies from Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties, alongside community members

Route Overview

The run begins at 8:00 a.m. in southern Westchester, including Yonkers, New Rochelle, and Mount Vernon, with participants heading north along major corridors such as Riverdale Avenue, Main Street, and Boston Post Road. The eastern route travels through New Rochelle, Larchmont, and Mamaroneck before reaching a rest stop near Saxon Woods Park in White Plains. The western route passes through Mount Vernon, Bronxville, Tuckahoe, and Eastchester, converging near the Westchester County Center.

Midday, additional segments join from Rockland County and the Greenburgh/Elmsford area, with a rest stop in Tarrytown. After 1:00 p.m., the unified run continues north along Route 9 through Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Mount Pleasant, Briarcliff Manor, and Ossining. The final leg carries the Flame through Croton, Cortlandt, and Buchanan before finishing in Peekskill at Riverfront Park. A northern spur from Garrison merges into the main route in Cortlandt, bringing participants together for the final stretch.

Community members are encouraged to line the route where appropriate, cheer on participants, or join for portions of the run in support of Special Olympics athletes.

Registration

To register or purchase a commemorative T-shirt benefiting Special Olympics New York and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, please contact Susanne O’Neil, Director of Development, at 845-262-6011.

About Special Olympics New York

Special Olympics New York is one of the largest state chapters in the country, serving more than 51,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 375 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.