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Running down ne'er-do-wells is sometimes part of being a law enforcement officer, but on Saturday local law enforcement personnel will instead be beating feet for a good cause.

"It's a statewide effort, but we've been participating in it as far back as I can remember," said Lt. Kim Wannamaker with the Kenai Police Department, in regard to the 2009 Alaska Law Enforcement Torch Run and Pledge Drive to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Alaska.

"It's a worthy cause and one more good way to interact with the community," Wannamaker said.

The 3.1-mile torch run and pledge drive is open to law enforcement officers and the general public. Runners, walkers, joggers, rollerbladers and those pushing strollers are all welcome to take part.

Wannamaker said several members of the local law enforcement community take part in the event annually.

"It depends on their shifts and activities, but last year we had around 65 participants. From Kenai, we had officers, dispatchers, firemen and medics, but we also have state troopers and police and dispatchers from Soldotna that come, so it's a good turnout of law enforcement," he said.

There is also a good turnout of Special Olympics athletes and their family and friends, Wannamaker said.

"The fun run is a great way for families and neighbors to get out and stretch their legs, get some fresh air and support training and competition programs for over 2,000 Alaska athletes with intellectual disabilities," said Jim Balamaci, Special Olympics Alaska president and CEO.

Participants are encouraged to obtain pledges from coworkers, neighbors, family and friends so they can maximize their contribution to Special Olympics Alaska.

"Every dollar goes a long way," Balamaci said.

The torch run and pledge drive will take place simultaneously in 17 communities across the state, which in addition to Kenai includes: Anchorage, Barrow, Delta Junction, Dillingham, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Ketchican, Klawock, Kodiak, Palmer/Wasilla, Nome, Petersburg, Seward, Sitka and Valdez.

According to Balamaci, the event is expected to be the largest simultaneous multi-community running event held in Alaska this year, and the goal is to raise $150,000 for Special Olympics Alaska communities.

The local torch run and pledge drive will take place at Wells Fargo in Kenai, according to Wannamaker.

"Check-in and registration will be from 8:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., and the run will start at 10 a.m," he said.

To download a registration/pledge form, visit the event's web site at www.specialolympicsalaska.org. For more information about the local event, contact Alex Douthit at the Kenai Police Dispatch at 283-7879.

Joseph Robertia can be reached at joseph.robertia@peninsulaclarion.com.