Back on track
The runners, walkers, and bikers will be out June 5 in Gallup and all over New Mexico, and in fact the country, in honor of and to raise money for Special Olympics as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The Torch Run was started in 1981 — 50 years ago by then-Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon.
In Gallup, McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Registration Coordinator and Criminal Investigators Administrative Assistant Judith Goins gets a breather from the somber requirements of her job each year as she coordinates the Torch Run for McKinley and Cibola Counties.
“It’s a nice break,” she told the Sun.
“We light the torch, the flame of hope. We are the guardians of the flame,” Goins said proudly.
All year long money is being raised for Special Olympics. Often the fundraisers include some less-serious activities — Coffee with a cop, Tip a cop, a donut duel.
This year, following the pandemic, the Torch Run will be out in the open air beginning at 7:30 am, June 5 at the McKinley County Courthouse parking lot with a walk to the El Rancho Motel.
The run will start at the motel with rest stops at McDonalds East, Gilbert Ortega’s, the N.M. State Police Office, the Fort Wingate off-ramp to Mile Marker 36.
Biking will start at Mile Marker 47 and continue to Love’s Travel Stop in Milan.
The torch will be carried from all four corners of the state to the home office in Albuquerque, where it will be run into the opening games for this year’s Special Olympics.
This year’s games will be virtual competitions for track and field, Bocce, swimming, volleyball, and flag football.
“Our goal is to get the torch to Albuquerque by Friday,” Goins said.
Goins asks that all walkers are present at the courthouse parking lot area by 7 am June 5.
By Beth Blakeman
Managing Editor
