COPPER HARBOR -- The law enforcement community kicked off the 27th Annual Torch Run Monday morning, raising awareness for Michigan Special Olympics athletes.

The Fraternal Order of Police, the Michigan Department of Corrections, and the State Police are all participating in the 750-mile relay run.  It started in Copper Harbor.
    
Each team is made up of six runners, and each team member runs five miles at a time before the next team takes over.

"That is important because we serve 20,679 athletes in the state of Michigan who participate year-round in competition, and it's important to raise funds and create awareness for the cause," said Torch Run liason, Andrea Rachko.
    
The five-day run wraps up on September 17 at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Sterling Heights.