About a dozen officers and civilian staff from Coquitlam RCMP laced up their sneakers and headed out for a lunchtime run Thursday (June 8).
But their 2.5-km route around central Coquitlam wasn't to help them get fit.
They were running their leg of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to support Special Olympics BC.
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Since it started in 1990, the event that involves police departments across the province, has raised more than $5 million.
The money is used to help ensure Special Olympics competitions remain accessible to as many athletes as possible. It also helps raise community awareness about some of their remarkable achievements and promote acceptance.
After a safety briefing — these are police officers, after all, charged with keeping the community safe — the contingent gathered behind their bike and motorcycle escorts and headed out for a loop that took them from the RCMP detachment on Burlington Drive, around Coquitlam Centre mall and back, where they were able to replenish calories with pizza.
There are more than 5,200 Special Olympics athletes registered in British Columbia.
Port Moody police (PMPD) hosted its leg of the 2023 Torch Run on Wednesday (June 7) that began in Rocky Point Park.
They were joined by Special Olympians, as well as Metro Vancouver Transit and New Westminster police.
