Law Enforcement Torch Run Lights Up Harford County

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The Special Olympics Torch Run made its way Tuesday through Harford County. Athletes ran 19 miles from Havre de Grace to the Baltimore County line, via US 40.

Drivers were advised to expect some delays along Route 40 from Havre de Grace to Joppa between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

Starting at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, there was a brief ceremony at North Park in Havre de Grace, before the athletes ran through town until they got to Route 40.

By midday, the runners were in Abingdon:

The runners had arrived at the Baltimore County line to hand off the torch by 2 p.m., according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

At the county line, Baltimore County Police Department took the torch, which will ultimately travel to Towson University, where the summer games for the Special Olympics Maryland will take place this weekend.

The law enforcement torch run is a tradition that has been happening since the 1980s designed to raise awareness about and funds for the Special Olympics.

A torch gala downtown will kick off the festivities on Thursday, June 6, before the games begin at Towson and run from Friday, June 7, to Sunday, June 9.

Funds raised by the torch run will go toward equipment and programs for the Special Olympics Maryland, which is the largest sports program in Maryland and costs nothing for participants.