K9s United will host its eighth annual 9K for K9s on April 27 at Ring Power, located at 500 World Commerce Parkway in St. Augustine, to support law enforcement canines who selflessly protect and serve our communities, and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The family-friendly event will include a one-mile fun run, classic 5K, challenging 9K and virtual “no excuse” race options.
The event begins at 8 a.m.
This year the event will honor K9 Leo, a 4-year-old canine from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office who was recently killed while protecting and serving his community. K9 Leo was defending his handler and fellow deputies when he was shot by a suspect who was hiding from officers in his backyard. K9 Leo received emergency transport for treatment, thanks to a recent Florida statute passed in 2021 allowing K9 transport, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries while fighting for his life at UF Animal Hospital.
To honor his service, K9s United will hold a moment of silence for K9 Leo during the event. Each registrant will also receive a race T-shirt featuring K9 Leo or a dog bandana (while supplies last), along with a finisher medal featuring his silhouette. The deadline to guarantee participants will receive an official race T-shirt is April 12. Both the 5K and 9K will be chip-timed with awards for the top runners in each category. Seasoned or beginner athletes are encouraged to sign up now to participate at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/StAugustine/K9sUnited9kForK9sJacksonville.
Following the races, participants and supporters can enjoy a post-run celebration with children’s activities, a photo booth with K9 heroes, a K9 demonstration, local vendors and more. For the safety of participating law enforcement K9s, only service dogs are permitted to attend.
This event is made possible by Top Dawg sponsor Safariland, along with the following sponsors and supporters: Ring Power, Live Oak Contracting, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 113, Alive Credit Union, Baptist Medical Center South, Inside & Out Pest Services, Shelton Veterinary Clinic, Rogers Towers Attorneys at Law, GATE, Robin Rawald a Realtor with Florida Welcome Home Real Estate, Bold City K9, VyStar Credit Union, Bailey’s Health & Fitness, Black Creek K9, LLC, Atlantic Veterinary Hospital, Arch Global Advisors, Ridgeside K9 Central Florida, American Aluminum Accessories, Inc, GORUCK, Welch Team Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside, First Coast Veterinary Specialists, Ridgeside K9 Knoxville and Smart Paws Resort and Training.
K9s United is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting law enforcement officers and their K9 partners who protect and serve our communities by giving them the best equipment and training during their service, and memorializing those who give the ultimate sacrifice.
Additionally, K9s United actively advocates for law enforcement and played a significant role in the passage of Florida Senate Bill 96, which enhances the penalties for individuals who harm working K9s and Senate Bill 388, which now allows injured working K9s to receive emergency first aid treatment and transport.
To support K9s United and its mission, supporters can join K9 Corps today for as little as $9 a month. Florida residents can also support the organization by pre-ordering a K9s United specialty license plate.
For more information and ways to support, go to k9sunited.org.
