 Helps Keep The Flame Burning Annual Event Raises Over $1,800 Locally Story & Photos by Dick Kauffman May 19, 2002
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is promoted as a "fun run and a great way to get out and stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and support training and competition for nearly one thousand Alaskan athletes with mental disabilities." The 5K Alaska Law Enforcement Torch Run includes several options for participants - such as running, jogging, skipping and walking. In addition to Ketchikan, numerous cities around Alaska participated in Saturday's Torch Run including Anchorage, Bethel, Cordova, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Kenai, Klawock, Kodiak, Kotzebue, Nome, Palmer, Seward, Sitka, Valdez, Barrow and Prudhoe Bay.
Individuals register in order to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and collect pledges. Pledge money is turned in the day of the race. According to information provided, 100% of the pledges and donations go directly to sports programs for Special Olympics Alaska in the community in which the money is raised. This year the Ketchikan event collected in donations and pledges $1,807 according to Kathy Fitzgerald, Ketchikan Coordinator for Special Olympics. Fitzgerald said this was twice as much as was raised last year. The 5 kilometer Torch Run started at 10:30 am statewide. In Ketchikan, approximately 15 serious runners departed at 10:30 am on a round trip run from Carrs' to Ketchikan Ready Mix. At least another two dozen other persons participated in the Torch Run by jogging or walking - all out enjoying the sunny Ketchikan morning while supporting Special Olympics.
Sgt. Lonnie Piscoya, Special Olympics Coordinator for the Alaska State Troopers, and Kathy Fitzgerald, Ketchikan Coordinator for Special Olympics, extended thanks to all the participants and to the sponsors of the event. The primary sponsor of the event statewide is GCI and Larry Johnson is the local event coordinator for GCI. Carrs' and Wal-Mart donated refreshments and snacks for the participants.
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