// Support An Athlete
Torch Run 2026
We are asking individuals, groups and companies to take part in our “Torch Run” for the Ireland Games 2026.
We want you to be part of the Torch Run movement by completing 42km your way throughout May, while raising vital funds for Special Olympics Ireland Athletes.
At the end of it all you will have completed a marathon in May and helped raise funds for our Support An Athlete Campaign.
// What is the Torch Run?
Law Enforcement Torch Run
The Special Olympics Torch Run, formally known as the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), is a relay in which hundreds of members of An Garda Síochána, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, athletes and the community carry the Flame of Hope from county to county to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics athletes. It culminates in the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Summer Games, symbolizing inclusion, courage, and unity. By taking part in Torch Run 2026 you will be part of this movement helping raise funds and awareness around the country!
Marathon in May
Setting up your fundraising page
Once you register, you will receive a link to your online fundraising page. You can personalise this as much as you like by adding photos and a few words to tell people why you’re taking on this challenge. Share your page with friends, family, co-workers and wider network to help you reach your target of €250 to support Special Olympics Ireland!
We are with you every step of the way!
Fundraising Resources
How to Maximise your Fundraising for Torch Run 2026
Our Champions
Meet the Athletes!
Meet just some of the amazing athletes that your support will help! Explore their stories, sports and journey to the Games, and see who’s representing your area. Training hard and chasing big goals, they’re ready for four unforgettable days of competition, all thanks to people like you!
// Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's
Torch Run 2026 is a virtual run which involves running, walking or wheeling a Marathon (42k) over the month of May. You can break up your 42k as you wish over the month as long as you hit your target by the 31st of May.
We encourage you to wear your Torch Run T-shirt to help us spread awareness of the upcoming Ireland Summer Games and to help light the way for our athletes while also raising important funds for our Support an Athlete Campaign.
Simply select Register Now and sign up today. Idonate will automatically generate a fundraising page for you which you can use to fundraise. We have also created some helpful tips here so you can get the most out of your fundraising page.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is a global community of law enforcement members that champions inclusion and acceptance for individuals with intellectual disabilities and who fundraise specifically for Special Olympics. In Ireland, An Garda Síochána and the PSNI are guardians of the Flame of Hope and will carry it into the opening ceremony of the Ireland Summer Games this June.
In the sign up form select the option for “Team”. This allows you to create a team or join an existing team. ”Join a Team” allows people to join your team after you have signed up.
There is no fee to sign up for this event.
We ask that you set a target to fundraise a minimum of €100.
Packs will be posted in April to those who have signed up, so that you will be ready to wear your t-shirt with pride during the month of May.
Torch Run 2026 is a virtual event in May and communities across Ireland are taking part.
In June a Final Leg Torch Run will take place with Members of An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland and they will carry the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony of the Ireland Games on Thursday 18th of June.