Sanders County Torch Run a success
The Spurr family runs into Plains with the torch ready to pass off to the last runners for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Brooke Knutson, 8, carries the torch along the main street of Thompson Falls. (photo supplied)
Torch carriers take a quick lunch break in front of the Thomspon Falls Rural Fire Hall (photo supplied)
Kendall and Cooper Spurr pass the torch along to Danni Dagiau and Scott Ginther in front of The Circle in Plains for the last leg of the race (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
The 2018 Sanders County Law Enforcement Torch Run was another success for the statewide fundraiser that benefits Special Olympics.
Deputy Roy Scott of the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office took the lead to organize this year’s event.
He was able to get approximately 60 participants of all ages either walk, run, ride bike or carry the torch on horseback.
The route took place on Highway 200 starting at the Idaho line and went straight through to mile marker 76 in Plains.
It took around 12 hours to complete, including a small break at Thompson Falls Rural Fire Hall.
“It was really great to get so much support from around the county for this great cause,” said Scott.
“Everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves and got into the spirit of the event,” he added.
Along with individuals, local organizations such as the Thompson Falls Super Hawks, Little Bitterroot Services, Mountain Meadows Youth Ranch and the Building Bridges Program saw groups run together.
“It was great to see two groups of boys run with the torch. The Mountain Meadows kids did 17 miles in total and the Building Bridges boys did a total of 10 miles,” said Scott.
“We had a big turnout for horseback riders as well. There were about 20 in total, and they had a great amount of fun carrying the torch along the highway,” he added.
All in Scott is not sure the exact number raised, however by Sunday evening he said they had raised approximately $4,200, which $3,200 came directly from shirt sales.
“My wife Tina was able to get a lot of shirts sold for us. She took on the background side of organizing to help me out with being on shift a lot of times during those business hours,” said Scott.
He also referenced Shannon Chojnacky, Kyle Cox and Scott’s daughter Kristina who all came on board as part of the team to ensure things ran smoothly.
“It was a great pleasure to have Troy Hinks of Fish and Wildlife, Steve Spurr from Highway Patrol join in on the run. Jason Thornton one of the county EMT volunteers also donated his time on the day which was fantastic,” said Scott.
Already looking toward next year’s event, Scott is hoping it will be bigger and better and said he was overwhelmed with the support given by people and businesses from around the county.
“It was a great day and hoping next year we’ll get more runners to maybe go from county line to county line,” said Scott.