K9s United, a national nonprofit dedicated to advocating for and supporting law enforcement canines and their handlers, is partnering with GO RUCK to host its fifth annual virtual Fallen K9 Memorial Run on National Police K9 Day, Sunday, Sept. 1. This nationwide event honors the 26 dogs that lost their lives in 2023 while protecting and serving their communities on the front line.
“Our fifth annual run is a tribute to the unwavering bravery that led to the ultimate sacrifice of 26 heroic police dogs,” said Debbie Johnson, president and founder of K9s United. “These courageous dogs protect us in our communities — and while we travel, attend concerts or enjoy sporting events. We call on all athletes and dog lovers across the country to join us as we run together to honor their legacy of selfless service and sacrifice.”
The nationwide virtual run includes a challenging 9K, classic 5K and one-mile fun run options, as well as rucking opportunities. Athletes of all abilities and dog lovers are encouraged to register online at goruck.com/collections/2024-fallen-k9-memorial-virtual-run-ruck. Registration is $30 for children, $40 for adults, and each participant will receive a limited edition K9s United Fallen K9 Memorial Run T-shirt.
Participants are encouraged to register by midnight Friday, Aug. 9, to receive the T-shirt before race day. The final deadline to register for the run is Saturday, Aug. 31.
The fifth annual Fallen K9 Memorial Run will honor 26 K9s who served in various states and for various law enforcement agencies.
Participants are encouraged to post their finishing time, fun videos and photos of their experience on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @K9sUnited and using the hashtag #2024FallenK9MemorialRun.
Every dollar donated to K9s United supports its mission to educate, train and provide vital equipment to K9 teams while strengthening laws to protect working K9s. The organization also memorializes dogs who made the ultimate sacrifice by providing each K9 handler with a unique, hand-painted portrait of their fallen K9 partner. To further aid K9s United's mission, participants are encouraged to join the K9 Corps, and Florida’s drivers can pre-order the nonprofit’s specialty license plate at k9sunited.org/florida-license-plate.
K9s United is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to working law enforcement canines who detect, protect and serve communities by giving them the best equipment and amenities during their service, and memorializing those who give the ultimate sacrifice.
To support K9s United and its mission, supporters can join K9 Corps for as little as $9 a month. Florida residents can also support the organization by pre-ordering a K9s United specialty license plate.
For further information and ways to support the organization, go to k9sunited.org.
