Hey Runners, in-person events are starting to happen again. If you're looking for an event in St. Augustine this April, consider the K9s United races. 

K9s United is hosting a 9K, 5K and 1-mile Fun Run at World Golf Hall of Fame on April 17th.

There will be a DJ before and after the race, kids activities, a K9 Photo Booth, and an amazing K9 Demonstration. You'll see lots of interesting vendors and displays in support of K9 Officers.

Everyone who registers by midnight April 4th is guaranteed an official race shirt. The race and shirt are a beautiful tribute to K9 Ryker (EOW 2/2/20). 

​When you participate, you honor Ryker's memory and help to support other K9 Officers. K9s United puts 100% of race proceeds towards supporting and honoring K9 officers.

The non-profit org, K9s United, is dedicated to providing equipment, amenities and training to canine officers. They also memorialize fallen K9s with a beautiful portrait showcasing the K9 officer with a partner and/or family.

There will be COVID protocols in place for the in-person racers. If you’re not ready to race in person, you can register and run a virtual race. You run or walk your event when and where you like. K9s United will ship your shirt and medal to you after race day.

Register now to guarantee your shirt and medal.
​
Note: The ONLY animals permitted are the Law Enforcement K9s participating at the event, and service dogs.
​

The non-profit org, K9s United was founded by Debbie Johnson in 2015 after the death of K9 Baron. The organization focuses on both supporting and honoring K9 law enforcement officers.

​They host races and other fundraising events to provide equipment and support to active duty K9s. K9s United also commissions memorial portraits for K9s who die in the line of duty. 

Many law enforcement agencies have budget constraints that make it difficult to provide K9 Units with all the resources they need. K9s United works hard to close the gap by providing training, equipment, and care for K9 officers.

The races on September 27 include a 9K, 5K, and 1-Mile Fun Run. Each race begins and ends on the waterfront at Albert Whitted Park. The fun begins at 8 AM.

​Everyone, no matter how fast or slow you walk or run, is invited to join the fun!

If you can't attend in person, you can participate by completing a VIRTUAL RACE. That means you run or walk when and where you can. You'll receive your race shirt and medal by mail a week after the event. Choose Virtual Race when you register for this option.

There will be vendors, kid-friendly exhibits, and live music on race day. Besides running, you can volunteer, donate, and sponsor. Gather your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to form a fundraising team. Teams earn free race entries and prizes.
​

The K9 demonstration after the races is a unique way for runners and spectators to learn how K9s and their partners work together to protect the public. Racers can get a photo with a K9.

Prices increase for the 9K and 5K races at midnight on March 1, 2020. The 1-Mile Fun Run price increases on August 4. Virtual race prices don't change.

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to K9sUnited 9K virtual race as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews

(Video credit: ThisOldRunner)

Since I couldn't be in Apopka on December 1st to race in person, I opted to run my 9K (5.59 miles) virtually. A virtual race means you race when you can, where you are. You can run on the actual race day, or as close to it as possible. I was recovering from a sinus infection, so I ran a few days after the race date.

Lucky for me, my race day was gorgeous. As you can see in the photos below, it was a blue sky day. I ran my miles around and around a local lake. The lake loop is just over a mile, so I ran it 5 times.

I'd tell you my race time if I could. My watch was on low battery about 40 minutes in. And it wasn't tracking anything when I finished. But this race wasn't about time. It was about the K9s. So it's all good. Plus, it felt wonderful to get outside and run again after being sick.

(Photos credit: ThisOldRunner)

The only downside to running the virtual option is I missed seeing the K9 dogs and their partners in action on race day. There was an impressive K9 demonstration after the race in Apopka. 

If you enjoy running for a reason like I do, try a 9K for K9s! There are three more races in Florida scheduled for next year. Try the 9K, 5K, or one-mile fun run.

• Jan. 12, 2019 in St. Augustine, FL
• Feb. 23 2019 in Cape Coral, FL
• May 11, 2019 in Jacksonville, FL  

You can race in person or run virtually from anywhere like I did. Visit www.K9sUnited.org for all the details. All race proceeds  support K9 officers during and after they serve, including memorials for those who die in the line of duty.

Special Note: The race in Jacksonville, Florida on May 11, 2019 will be to honor Fang. Fang was killed in the line of duty this year.

#Apopka #BibRavePro #K9 #K9sUnitedBR #BibChat #RunFlorida #K9Partners #K9Demonstration #K9Training

Look at these photos of the K9s United race held Saturday, December 1st in Apopka, Florida. The event included beautiful K9s and wonderful people running to support them. ​The race was staged at the Northwest Recreational Complex. It was a great venue for the 9K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run.