K9s United will host its 10th annual 9K for K9s on Saturday, April 25, at Ring Power in St. Augustine.
This event supports law enforcement canines who protect and serve local communities, and honors those who have fallen in the line of duty. This family-friendly event offers a variety of races, including a one-mile fun run, classic 5K, challenging 9K and virtual “no excuse” options to ensure there’s something for everyone.
Athletes of all levels are encouraged to sign up now at k9sunited.org/event/2026-9k-for-k9s to participate in the 9K for K9s. The deadline to register at a discounted rate is Friday, March 27.
Participants who register by Friday, April 10, will receive a race T-shirt featuring K9s Bane, Kyro and Renegade. Those who register after April 10 will receive a K9s United-branded dog bandana, while supplies last. Finishers will also receive a medal adorned with the honored K9s’ silhouettes.
Both the 5K and 9K races will be chip-timed with awards presented to the top runners in each category.
Following the races, participants and supporters can enjoy a post-run celebration featuring children’s activities, a photo booth with a K9 hero, a K9 demonstration, local vendors and more. For the safety of participating law enforcement K9s, only service dogs are permitted to attend.
Packet pickup and race day registration is at 6:30 a.m. The start of the 5K and 9K is 8 a.m. The start of the one-mile fun run is 9 a.m. The K9 demonstration will be at 9:30 a.m.
Ring Power is located at 500 World Commerce Parkway, St. Augustine.
This year’s event will honor K9s Bane, a German shepherd who served with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office for seven years; Kyro, a German shepherd-Belgian malinois mix who served with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for one year; and Renegade, a German shepherd who served with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for six years.
K9s United 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 allows injured working K9s to receive emergency first aid treatment and transport.
The nonprofit is currently working to advance the LEO K9 Protection Act, federal legislation that mirrors these protections for federal K9s and local K9s assisting federal agencies.
To support K9s United and its mission, supporters can join K9 Corps today at k9sunited-bloom.kindful.com for as little as $9 a month. Florida drivers can support the organization by purchasing a K9s United specialty license plate through their local DMV either in-person or online at buyfloridaspecialtyplates.com/specialty-license-plates.
For more information and ways to support, go to k9sunited.org.
This event is made possible by Top Dawg sponsor Safariland, along with the following sponsors and supporters: Allied Veterinary Specialists, Alive Credit Union, Atlantic Veterinary Hospital, Baptist Medical Center South, Bold City K9, Chuze Fitness, Cowan Financial Group, Craig Dewhurst – State Farm Insurance Agent, Firehouse Subs, First Coast Veterinary Specialists & Emergency, GATE, HBK-9, Inside & Out Pest Services, Jet Set University, MLK9 Dog Training, NewDay Veterinary Care, Nimnicht Buick GMC, Ridgeside K9 Central Florida, Ring Power, Robin Rawald Florida Welcome Home Realty, Survival Flight, Shelton Veterinary Clinic, St. Johns County Lodge 113 Fraternal Order of Police, VyStar Credit Union and 844-Spartan Law Group.
