Law Enforcement Torch Run Events

Illinois LETR Events - All

Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

Each year, the Polar Plunge brings together thousands of warm-hearted individuals from across the state. It’s a great way for everyone – individuals, organizations and businesses – to support Special Olympics Illinois. All funds raised go to provide programing and events for more than 21,000 traditional athletes and 9,000 Young Athletes participating in Illinois.

Nearly $27 million that has been raised by more than 87,000 Plungers since the event’s inception in 1999. Its purpose is to simply raise funds to enhance the Special Olympics Illinois mission: To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in 18 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families and other Special Olympics Illinois athletes and the community.

How to Participate?

The concept is simple: participants raise a minimum of $100 in donations from friends, family and co-workers in exchange for getting icy for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois!

Attire:

Anything goes, except a wetsuit. Costumes are encouraged, but please keep them family friendly in nature. Each plunger who raises $100 or more receives an exclusive Polar Plunge sweatshirt, plus the chance to win additional prizes for raising more money.

What Does It Takes to Be a “Plunger”?

Anyone with a little guts and a warm heart wanting to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes is welcome to participate. In past years, participants have included children and adults, football players, mayors, police chiefs and officers, sheriffs and deputies, corporate employees, civic organizations, high school clubs, fraternities and sororities, media personalities and everyone in between.

For more information: SOILL Polar Plunge

Dunkin' Cop on a Rooftop

Dunkin’ Cop on a Rooftop - 2026 marks the 23^rd Anniversary of the Dunkin’ and Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois partnership. This partnership has been a huge success over the years; in fact, more than $11.1 million has been raised in Illinois during this great partnership!

The 2026 Cop on a Rooftop event is scheduled statewide for Friday, MAY 15 from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Law enforcement officers will staff Dunkin’ locations in the local communities to rally support for Special Olympics athletes. Each guest who makes a donation to the Torch Run will receive a coupon for a free donut. Guests who donate $10 or more will receive a LETR/ Dunkin’ branded travel mug (while supplies last) and a coupon for a free medium hot coffee.

Intrastate Relay and Final Leg/Torch Run Week

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round fundraising movement benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The Torch Run has two goals – to raise money and to gain awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Illinois.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run includes an annual intrastate relay conducted by officers representing every branch of law enforcement within the state as well as our federal partners. Approximately 3,000 officers carry the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles, running through thousands of Illinois communities via 11 Legs to its final destination – the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in Normal. All Torch Runs will take place between Saturday, June 6 - Friday, June 12.

LETR Days Sponsored by Schnucks

What is LETR Days Sponsored by Schnucks?

The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run is excited to team up with Schnucks Grocery chain to raise funds and awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. During this event, law enforcement officers and volunteers will staff merchandise tables near the main entrance of their local Schnucks store.  Volunteers will sell LETR merchandise, raffle tickets and collect general donations all to benefit the 23,100 traditional Special Olympics athletes and nearly 13,000 Young Athletes (ages 2-7).

LETR officers and volunteers will be staking out their local Schnucks Grocery Stores this fall.

Event Dates/Times: TBD

Texas Roadhouse Tip-a-Cop 2026

Texas Roadhouse Tip-a-Cop 2026 - for Special Olympics Illinois, presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, will take place: Monday August 24th 4pm to 8pm.

During this fundraiser, participating Texas Roadhouse locations in Illinois will open their doors for dinner during their regular hours. Officers will be there to help serve dinner and customers can leave an additional tip for local law enforcement, 100% of which goes directly to the athletes!