Law enforcement officers and Marines ran for a special cause Tuesday.

A group of about thirty carried the torch for Special Olympics down Meridian's 8th Street.

It's part of ceremonies statewide in preparation for the Mississippi Special Olympics state games on the coast.

"It shows our support for our community," said Deputy Ricardo Clayton. "Also shows our support for our Special Olympics athletes, in which you know, our Special Olympic athletes they get out and they give it their all And they compete regardless of what their circumstance may be."

Marines from NAS Meridian and officers of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department, Meridian Police Department, and Mississippi Highway Patrol participated in the event.