A group of Salina area law enforcement officers teamed up Wednesday to run through the streets of Salina. The Saline County leg of the Special Olympics Torch Run weaved through town Wednesday afternoon.

Saline County Sheriff Deputy Scott Trembley, who organizes the event, tells KSAL News that 19 runners participated. Officers from the Salina Police Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, state parole office, and court services all participated. “It’s the largest group we’ve had in the last several years” Trembley said.

Among those running was Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson. Nelson said that while he doesn’t run often, “this was for the kids”.

The run kicked off with a brief ceremony at the Dairy Queen located at 321 North 9th Street. It wound its way through Salina, ending at Jerry Ivey Park.

The final destination for the torch is Wichita, for the Kansas Special Olympic Summer Games. On Friday June 6th it will arrive at Cessna Stadium to signify the start of a weekend of competition that will challenge more than 1400 athletes.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run, which raises awareness and funds for the Special Olympics, originated in Kansas over 30 years ago. It is in all 50 states and 30 countries.