Houghton police officers will run alongside residents Sept. 12 in a 5K fun run raising money for Special Olympics athletes across the western Upper Peninsula.

The untimed run and walk starts at 10:30 a.m. at Ray Kestner Waterfront Park in Houghton, with check-in at 10 a.m. Registration costs $30, according to the city of Houghton's event page.

The race is part of the statewide Flame of Hope Torch Run, an annual law enforcement fundraiser for Special Olympics of Michigan. Officers, deputies and state troopers carry the flame from Copper Harbor to Detroit, and communities along the route host local races. Houghton's 5K is one of the first stops as the torch begins its journey.

It marks the second year the Houghton Police Department has organized the local race. Lt. Nick Roberts told the Keweenaw Report on Aug. 14 that the department is committed to the cause. "This is our second year doing it," Roberts said. "We love helping support Special Olympics."

The Keweenaw County Sheriff's Department is also joining the relay.

Money raised through the Torch Run funds travel, equipment and tournament costs for local teams. Special Olympics athletes compete year-round at no cost to them or their families, according to the city's event page.

Area 39 Special Olympics, which covers the Copper Country and surrounding counties, returned to the region in 2025 after a hiatus. Co-directors Mike Behrmann and Naomi Behrmann now oversee more than 60 athletes competing in bowling, snowshoe, track and field, basketball, swimming and other sports, according to the Keweenaw Report. The program operates out of two hubs: one in Houghton serving a three-county area and one in Ironwood serving Gogebic and Ontonagon counties. About 40 to 45 volunteers supported the teams last year.

Naomi Behrmann told the Keweenaw Report on Aug. 27 that the response to Area 39's return has been entirely positive. Athletes and volunteers "promise they'd be back next year," she said.

Ahead of the Sept. 12 race, the Houghton Police Department is selling raffle tickets for a half-gallon jar of thimbleberry jam donated by Wood'n Spoon. The 2025 raffle raised $2,000 for travel, equipment and uniform expenses for local Special Olympians. Roberts said on Aug. 14 that the goal for the 2026 raffle is $5,000.

Residents can contact Lt. Nick Roberts at the Houghton Police Department for more information about the 5K.