The Polk County Law Enforcement Torch Run will be held Thursday morning in support of Special Olympics Florida.

Hosted by the Winter Haven Police Department and City of Winter Haven, the run starts at 10 a.m. from the Publix store in the Northgate Plaza shopping center (1395 6th St. NW). Runners will travel south on 6th Street (U.S. 17) to Cypress Gardens Boulevard, then east to the Publix at South Gate Plaza (884 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

City officials are encouraging residents to come out and cheer the runners along the route. Special Olympic Athletes will travel the route in a Mardi Gras style bus, encouraging the runners and waving to the crowd.

The "Flame of Hope" is carried by law enforcement personnel in a 1,500 mile relay across the state. This year, more than 3,000 law enforcement officers representing 300 Florida agencies are participating as the torch makes its way through 60 counties before being delivered to the opening ceremonies of the State Summer Games.

The Games will be held on May 15-16 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. More than 1,500 athletes are competing.