CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — Law enforcement officers from across Central Virginia ran alongside local athletes from Special Olympics Virginia on a hot, sunny Thursday as part of the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run, aimed to raise money and awareness for the nonprofit organization.

The run was one of many occurring across Virginia in the build-up to Special Olympics Virginia’s 2026 Summer Games happening Friday and Saturday at the University of Richmond.

“This is a huge event for us,” Special Olympics Virginia manager of special events Brittany Beckwith told Cville Right Now. “It leads into our biggest state games of the year in Richmond, and this torch run in general, the officers across the state are some of the biggest fundraisers in the state. So, this is a huge event for us.”

This year’s run in Charlottesville began at the Albemarle County Police Department Headquarters and ended just over three miles away at the Charlottesville Police Department Headquarters. In addition to officers from ACPD and CPD, officers from UVA, Greene County and Nelson County were also present, and the officers and athletes’ families were also invited to participated as well.

This year’s run was particularly special for CPD Chief Michael Kochis, who is the State Chair for the Law Enforcement Torch Run this year. He will be on hand in Richmond tomorrow for the ceremonial lighting of the torch.

“It’s such a great cause,” he told the media before the run. “When you get to sit and talk with these athletes and [hear] all that it means to them. I mean, it just gives you that purpose.”

CPD has a whole have been strong supporters of the Special Olympics, proudly touting on their t-shirts made for the run that they were the top fundraising team in the state last year. Beckwith said they’re on pace to repeat that feat this year.

“What they do is unbelievable,” she said. “And we appreciate their support, especially coming out of a locale that’s not as busy as other locales. They really put in a lot of work to get our message out there and to garner support and raise money for us, so it’s amazing.”

Kochis said law enforcement from across Virginia had raised $1.8 million as of two weeks ago, just shy of the goal of $2.1 million that he set for the year.

“We understand the importance of this to these athletes and what they do,” he said. “Everything from the health screenings they get to having them involved in things that they may not have been involved in without it.”

One of those athletes who participated in the Torch Run this year was Richard Hay. He said it was awesome to run alongside the police officers and his fellow athletes.

His favorite part of the run? The motorcycles, which led the runners along with some bicyclists and squad cars.

“I really like their motorcycles,” Hay said before the run. “And I think I like their bicycles.”

Beckwith said the Torch Run is a year-long program, with events scheduled all throughout. Those interested in participating or donating can learn more through the Torch Run Virginia website as well as the Special Olympics Virginia website.

“We do events all year long,” she said of the Special Olympics as well as Torch Run specifically. “So, there’s always opportunities to come out, especially in Charlottesville.”