Dutchess / Ulster County Torch Run

Welcome! LETR is a major fundraising effort for Special Olympics, supporting sports programs, health initiatives, and other activities.  The torch run raises public awareness about Special Olympics, its athletes, and the importance of inclusion and acceptance for individuals with intellectual disabilities.  The “Flame of Hope” carried during the torch run symbolizes courage, perseverance, and the power of sports to change lives.  Since it’s start in the 1980’s, the Law Enforcement Torch Run in New York has raised more than $14 million while increasing awareness of Special Olympics New York athletes and their accomplishments.  We cannot achieve these accomplishments without YOU and are glad you are taking part in this annual inclusive movement! 

Runner information & t-shirt order is below.

Lighting the way for acceptance and inclusion, run with us!

• The Dutchess & Ulster County Torch Run will be on Wednesday, Sept 3, 2025. The run will begin at 10:00AM. Registration will begin 8:45AM.
• The route is a point to point course starting at FDR Library and finishing at Mahoney’s Irish Pub & Steakhouse 35 Main Street Poughkeepsie, for post run lunch and refreshments.
• The route traverses Route 9 south to Marist University through the Rt. 9 underpass to West Cedar St then unto the MJM Northside Line that connects to Walkway Over the Hudson State Park crossing over into Ulster County, down Haviland Road, and onto the Mid-Hudson Bridge footpath to Rinaldi Blvd, Main St. and then to finish at Mahoney’s. The entire route is roughly 8 miles. Runners have to option to run the entire route or participate in several legs of the course. Three water stations will be available along the route and photo opportunities will take place at FDR Library, Marist University, Walkway Over the Hudson, Mid-Hudson Bridge and at Mahoney’s.
• Car pooling is highly encouraged. No shuttles are provided back to FDR Library after the event concludes.
• This is a rain or shine event.
• Let us know what parts of the run you will be doing, register here.

Order Shirts

• T-Shirts will be available to pick up at T-shirt pick up & day of registration will begin: 8:45am – in bus foyer.
• Purchase your shirts online here

Corporate Sponsorship

• Here is this year’s Corporate Sponsorship Document
• The deadline for corporate sponsorship is July 30, 2025. If you would like to pay for your corporate sponsorship gift online, you can pay here.

Gold Sponsorship – $5,000 Commitment

• Premium logo placement on 600 LETR shirts
• Volunteer opportunities at community Torch Runs (where available)
• Mention in regional LETR press releases
• Speaking opportunities at Torch Runs (where available)
• Sponsorship of awards presentation at Regional Spring Games (includes signage an
  opportunity to hand out medals)
• Banner placement & recognition at community Torch Runs
• Dedicated social media post on LETR page
• Sponsor 10 local athletes for 1 sports season
• 12 LETR Shirts

Silver Sponsorship – $2,500 Commitment

• Logo on the back of 600 LETR shirts
• Sponsorship of awards presentation at Regional Spring Games (includes signage and an
• opportunity to hand out medals)
• Sponsor 5 local athletes for 1 sports season
• 10 LETR shirts

Bronze Sponsorship – $1,000 Commitment

• Logo on the back of 600 LETR shirts
• Recognition at community Torch Runs
• Sponsor 2 local athletes for 1 sports season
• 5 LETR Shirts

Sponsor an Athlete Sponsorship – $500 Commitment

• Your company/organization name on the back of 600 LETR shirts
• Sponsor 1 local athlete for 1 sports season
• 2 LETR shirts

SPONSORSHIP DEADLINE: July 30, 2025

For more information: Susan O’Neil Special Olympics NY soneil@nyso.org