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For the sixth year, Major Dave Hutton of the Chesterfield County (Virginia, USA) Sheriff's Office covered more than 200 miles in seven days when he ran the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics from Bristol, Virginia, to Richmond, Virginia, in support of the state's Special Olympics Program. Each day Hutton reported his journey as he worked his way back to Richmond for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2004 Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games. Hutton's daily journey can be viewed online.
Hutton, a native of Wytheville, Virginia, ran alongside local officers in the Torch Run, Special Olympics' largest annual fundraiser. He began in Bristol on 5 June and  passed through the towns of Washington, Smyth, Wythe, Pulaski, Montgomery, Roanoke, Bedford and Lynchburg, arriving in Charlottesville on 10 June.
He returned to Richmond on 11 June for the Final Leg of the Torch Run to the University of Richmond's Robins Center. Hutton was one of 100 officers who carried the “Flame of Hope” into the arena to officially begin the Games.
Hutton began long-distance running as a hobby in 1991 after a cancerous tumor was removed from his brain. He has competed in more than 22 marathons since then and hopes to raise more awareness and funds for Special Olympics during his trip. Hutton, a 16-year veteran at the Chesterfield Sheriff's Office, is currently the Chairman of the Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council after serving as the Richmond region's liaison where he assisted in organizing local officers and creating fundraisers.
“Special Olympics Virginia is about opportunities for success and improving lives," says Hutton. "I am proud to support an organization that is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities."
Hutton lives in Colonial Heights with his wife, Kathy, and two children.
Special Olympics Virginia provides year-round sports training and athletic competition to 14,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Commonwealth. For more information call +1 (804) 346-5544 or 1-800-932-GOLD (inside the United States) or visit http://www.specialolympicsva.org/
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