Torch run participants, local bands raise awareness for Special Olympics
An ultra runner on Saturday afternoon runs along State Route 264 in Coalmine Canyon, Ariz. during the annual Navajo Nation Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, which began in Window Rock and ended at the junction of U.S. Highway 89 and 160 near Moenave, Ariz. (Times photo – Krista Allen)
An ultra runner on Saturday afternoon runs along State Route 264 in Coalmine Canyon, Ariz. during the annual Navajo Nation Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, which began in Window Rock and ended at the junction of U.S. Highway 89 and 160 near Moenave, Ariz. (Times photo – Krista Allen)
COALMINE CANYON, Ariz.
A police unit from Tuba City Police District leads the way, as three ultra-runners make their way toward Moenkopi, Ariz. during the annual Navajo Nation Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Arizona on Saturday afternoon in Coalmine Canyon, Ariz. (Times photo – Krista Allen)
A police unit lead the way on Saturday afternoon for a handful of runners participating in the annual “Guardians of the Flame” Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ), which started earlier in the day in Window Rock with five bicycle riders.
When the Window Rock group – coordinated by Samantha Yazzie, a criminal investigator in the Window Rock Police District – arrived here at noon, they banded with runners and made their way toward Tuba City.
Navajo Police officer DeManuel Yazzie of the Tuba City Police District reported that there were a total of 12 individuals – seven who ran 19 miles, two who ran 8 miles, and four who ran 10,000 meters (6.2 miles) – who participated in this year’s LETR.
For a long-distance run, DeManuel said the number wasn’t a low turnout and it’s more than last year’s participation.
“It turned out good,” said DeManuel, who is one of the LETR Leg 7 coordinators. “It’s better than we thought it would be.”
The nearly 170-mile run ended late afternoon at the junction of U.S. Highway 160 and U.S. 89 near Moenave, Ariz.
But for some participants, the run ended outside the Western Navajo Diné Justice Center in Tuba City where comedians and motivational speakers such as Tito Hoover from Cedar Ridge, Ariz. and Efram Yazzie from Chinle; as well as rap and hip-hop artists, including “Jot Scripts” from Grand Junction, Colo. and “The Council” from Ignacio, Colo. entertained the crowd.
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Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow