TOPEKA, Kansas - Topeka Police Officers along with Shawnee County Sheriff and Kansas Highway Patrol were on hand for the running of the Special Olympic Torch Wednesday morning.

Several Special Olympic Athletes were also up bright and early for the 7am Torch Run that started the first leg of the run from the Kansas Statehouse.

The final destination will be in Wichita, Kansas for the Kansas Special Olympics starting Friday, June 4. The 2009 Most Inspirational Athlete, Bekah Henderson, will light the cauldron to officially open the Summer Games in front of more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and fans.

It is expected that 700 officers from more than 70 agencies will carry the "Flame of Hope" throughout 33 Kansas counties on their way to the Games in Wichita.