Above, Special Olympics participants and friends gather for a group photo Wednesday JEFFREY HASTINGS photo

By JEFFREY HASTINGS

The Flame of Hope traveled successfully across the Granite State on Wednesday as numerous law enforcement officers, area students, and Special Olympics athletes came together for the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The yearly occasion, which highlights community togetherness and inclusion, featured participants running and walking from towns throughout New Hampshire before gathering in the state capital.

The journey started early Wednesday in Hillsborough and gained more runners while passing through Henniker and Hopkinton.

A Grand Entry at the State House

By afternoon, runners from across the state assembled at the Common Man restaurant in Concord. The large group then moved together for the final energetic stretch to the New Hampshire State House.

Supporters lined the streets and cheered as the athletes and officers reached the State House plaza. The afternoon ended with the ceremonial lighting of the symbolic Olympics Torch, which launched the Special Olympics New Hampshire Summer Games.

Posing for a photo in front of the State House Wednesday. JEFFREY HASTINGS photo

Next Stop: Durham

The Torch Run continues onward. The Flame of Hope will pause briefly in Concord before starting the last portion of its route.

Runners will leave Concord on Friday morning at 3:00 AM and carry the torch east to Durham for the opening ceremonies of the Summer Games.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run serves as the top public awareness and local fundraising effort for Special Olympics around the world, spreading a message of acceptance and diversity with each mile.