For Immediate Release

Contact:

Barbara Love, NMLETR Liaison

barbara@sonm.org

505-263-5986

New Mexico Law Enforcement agencies begin the 1,600 mile State Relay Run for Special Olympics New Mexico

NEW MEXICO, May 18: The New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run (NMLETR) for Special Olympics State Relay Run kicks off today and will continue throughout the state until the Final Leg on Friday, May 29 in Albuquerque. During the annual State Relay Run, hundreds of law enforcement and public safety personnel from a variety of municipal, county, fire rescue, tribal, state, and federal agencies will carry the Flame of Hope Torch throughout New Mexico while raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Mexico.

Known as the “Guardians of the Flame of Hope,” these statewide public safety officers, joined by friends and family members, will travel a combined 1,600 miles by foot and bicycle across New Mexico’s roads and highways, bringing the Flame of Hope torch to the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Special Olympics New Mexico State Summer Games in Albuquerque on Friday, May 29.

“Law enforcement agencies across our state gather proudly to carry the Flame of Hope torch, to raise awareness about the needs and incredible abilities of our Special Olympics athletes,” said LETR State Director retired Sgt. Travis Spruell of the Farmington Police Department. “This is one of the most honorable services for our law enforcement community and we cannot wait to help kick off the Summer Games.”

The State Relay Run starts on May 18 from the four corners of the state: Farmington, Taos, Carlsbad, and Las Cruces. The torch is handed off from one local law enforcement agency to the next as it makes its journey to Albuquerque.

State Relay Run Leg Routes and Dates:

View State Relay Run Routes: https://sonm.org/letr-resources/state-relay-run-info/

• May 18–29: The Southwestern torch is carried from Las Cruces to Albuquerque
• May 18–29: The Southeastern torch is carried from Carlsbad & Lovington (through Moriarty) to Albuquerque
• May 26–29: The Northwestern torch is carried from Farmington (through Gallup) to Albuquerque
• May 18–29: The Northeastern torch is carried from Taos to Albuquerque
• May 29: The Final Leg torch is carried into the 2026 Special Olympics New Mexico State Summer Games located at the UNM Track & Field and Soccer Complex in Albuquerque 

About Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Mexico:

The New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run is a community policing and fundraising program for Special Olympics that promotes and empowers New Mexico law enforcement agencies to raise awareness and funds year-round for Special Olympics New Mexico, while providing opportunities, encouragement, and hope to SONM athletes and families in the process. In New Mexico, LETR is proudly sponsored by the following community partners: Latitudes, Bernalillo County, N2MIS (Los Alamos), Zona Rosa, Pojoaque Pueblo Tribal Police Department, New Mexico True, Chili’s, Chavez Grieves Consulting, Advance Auto Parts, Brycon Construction, Albuquerque Dukes Store, and Old Town Catering.

For more information about the New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics visit www.sonm.orgor call 505.856.0342.

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