Some Clarkstown police officers who are used to walking a beat pounded the pavement Tuesday to raise awareness for the New York State Special Olympics.

The 16 cops headed up Route 9W from police headquarters as one person held a torch. They finished at Bear Mountain Park, where they were greeted with a round of congratulations and plenty of fluids. For some, it was all in a day's work.

"I was in a [Marine] recon unit and you carried your house and home wherever you went and did a lot of running, a lot of physical fitness," said Officer Andrew Kelly. "So 17 miles is like a little jog."

The police department has carried out the tradition for the past 15 years. This year's run was a bit harder for others as Rockland County issued a poor air quality advisory. Still, the officers said they'd rather be no place else.

"Well this year was a little more difficult then in past years," said Detective Sgt. Tim O'Neil. "But it's a great crew out here and the Clarkstown police want to get the job done."

For extended video and interviews from the run, go to Channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.