During the spring, Torch Runners from throughout the Commonwealth have been carrying the Flame of Hope as they make their way to the University of Richmond for the Final Mile into the Opening Ceremony at Summer Games.
Become a Final Mile Runner:
You can participate as an individual or create a team by registering for the 2024 Torch Run. During registration you will be asked about participating in the Final Mile - select yes!
*Please note, shirts will not be guaranteed in time for the event if registration occurs after May 15.
If you need additional assistance, click here and let us know.
Fuel the Flame of Hope:
Once registered, you can create a personalized fundraising page to collect online donations. The funds raised help to provide year-round sports training, competitions, leadership opportunities and health care for 21,000 Special Olympics Virginia athletes of all abilities. You can see your donations in action while you attend Summer Games!
Final Mile Details:
- Date: June 7, 2024
- Important times:
- Please meet in the C75 Parking Lot of the University of Richmond between at 5:45 pm.
- Runners will take off promptly at 6:45PM to make the beginning of the Opening Ceremony.
- Those doing the final lap around the track as part of the lighting the cauldron will need to plan to stay through the end of Opening Ceremony as this occurs at the end of the ceremony.
- Location: University of Richmond
- Starting Line: Parking lot C75
- Finish Line: Robins Stadium
- Distance: Just over 1-mile throughout University of Richmond's campus (map below)
- This is a pace run, not a race! This will be a slow, inclusive run!
In the event of inclement weather we will reach out to all registered participants via text.
OPENING CEREMONIES: June 7, 2024
- Opening Ceremonies will officially begin at approximately at 7 pm
- Any Color or Honor Guards OR Uniformed Escort participants need to report at 5:00pm for practice and staging to the Halftime House in Robins Stadium.
- Those who have signed up to be a uniformed escort this year, in addition to lining the way to the cauldron at the end of the ceremony, will be paired with athletes as a part of the parade of athletes at the beginning of the ceremony. Please stay with the honor guards as this will be right after. If we are in need of more escorts, honor guard members should be prepared to stand in.
- All LETR will be asked to sit together during the ceremonies and will be given a cue to exit the stadium to stage for the final lap. At that time those that are participating as Honor Guard or Uniformed Escort will line a path to the cauldron.
- Volunteers are needed to help pass out thunder sticks to athletes entering the stadium. All LETR are welcome. If you are NOT running in the Final Mile, please go to the entrance of the Robins Center (arena) – Gate D - to meet a SOVA staff member at 6:30 pm. Final Mile runners can assist at the stadium entrance post run.