Annual Race for Plunkett Torch Run

July 31, 2026 Media Release

York Regional Police is proud to host the annual Race for Plunkett (Law Enforcement Torch Run) in support of Special Olympics Ontario.  

The race, which will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 6 p.m., is open to the all members of the public. Participants can register online for a five or 10 kilometre run or a five kilometre walk along the Tom Taylor Trail in Newmarket. Participants are asked to arrive at the Riverwalk Commons between 5 to 5:30 p.m. to pick up their Torch Run t-shirt, race kit and electronic timing chip. Participants will have a chance to meet with local Special Olympics athletes, visit police displays, enjoy music and take commemorative pictures.

At 6 p.m. a short ceremony will begin on the Riverwalk Commons stage before the Law Enforcement Flame of Hope is carried in by Special Olympics athletes. All participants will then be deemed Guardians of the Flame as the torch is carried 500 metres to the starting line in Fairy Lake Park. 

York Regional Police has supported the Law Enforcement Torch Run for more than 35 years. Detective Constable Rob Plunkett, who was killed in the line of duty in August 2007, served as Chair of the 2000 Special Olympics Spring Games in York Region and participants in the Race for Plunkett honour his memory and commitment to Special Olympics. 

Law Enforcement Torch Run events raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics movement. 

Law enforcement officers from more than 30 countries carry the Flame of Hope in honour of Special Olympics athletes worldwide. The Torch Run is the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics in the world.  

All Race for Plunkett participants support Special Olympics through their registration fee and any personal donations they collect. All money raised goes directly to Special Olympics Ontario. Registrations and donations can be done at yrp.ca/TorchRun 

Media are invited to attend the race and the accompanying festivities.

For further information on this event, please contact Special Events at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 5800