Nearly 700 members of Maine’s law enforcement community will participate in the 16th Maine Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics starting today and ending Friday at the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Maine Summer State Games at the University of Maine in Orono.

Runners raise funds for Special Olympics during the year in a variety of ways, and the total since the first run in 1985 has surpassed $1 million. The torch run, which will cover more than 800 miles of Maine roads, is divided into 15 legs. Runners will start the northernmost and southernmost legs today and work their way toward Orono carrying the flame of hope.

Special Olympics Maine is a year-round athletic training and competition program for persons of all ages with mental retardation. For more information on Special Olympics Maine or the torch run, contact Lisa Bird at 856-6070.