Purdue-made torch begins bicentennial relay trip around Indiana

Bicentennial relay runners are beginning the trek around the state of Indiana today (Sept. 9) with a product of Purdue in hand.

The relay for the state’s 200-year anniversary will start at 10 a.m. today in Corydon, Indiana’s first capital. The course covers 3,200 miles through all 92 counties.

Purdue’s College of Engineering created the centerpiece for the relay: the bicentennial torch to be carried by each person along the route. A lighter, flameless torch will be carried by children and other runners along the route.

Students and faculty from six schools in the college contributed work for more than a year to create the torch, which features GPS as well as a feature to take photos and shoot video.

The relay will enter Tippecanoe County on Oct. 12, following a path leading it through Purdue's campus around mid-morning. The relay ends in Indianapolis with a celebration on Oct. 15.

Among local torchbearers in Tippecanoe County is President Mitch Daniels, who will carry the torch past the grave of University benefactor and namesake John Purdue.

Writer: Brian L. Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu