UFC Ulti-Man 5K race to benefit Las Vegas police K9 unit

The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s annual Ulti-Man 5K race is going to the dogs this year — literally. Based out of Las Vegas, the MMA powerhouse has announced that proceeds from its annual running event will benefit the Las Vegas Police K9 Unit.

Emceed by UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin, the UFC’s 5K run or 1-mile walk, which is being held on Saturday, July 9th at Town Square Las Vegas, allows runners and walkers to participate on a team or individually.

Those who think they have what it takes to hang with an actual UFC fighter can sign up to join one of two teams: Team Menace — led by featherweight UFC fighter Dennis “The Menace” Bermudez or Team Funkmaster — led by bantamweight UFC fighter Aljamain “Funk Master” Sterling.

The Ulti-Man event isn’t your average walk in the park.

At past races, the UFC fighting-team captains instructed their teams on how to do kicks and other moves at mile stations throughout the race.

In addition, the course, which is described in the event details as “easy” with a “mostly flat” and a completely asphalt surface, features three fitness stations set up by UFC Gyms.

With proceeds benefiting Friends for the Las Vegas Police Department K9s, for the first time ever, the UFC is allowing participants to bring their four-legged friends along for the run or walk.

The event is being held as part of the UFC’s annual International Fight Week — July 5-10.

Along with a three-day UFC Fan Expo and a UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, this year’s Fight Week will include three nights of fights featuring Dos Anjos vs. Alvarez, the Ultimate Fighter Finale: Jedrzejczyk vs. Gadelha and the highly anticipated UFC 200: Cormier vs. Jones 2.

To register for the Ulti-Man 5K run or 1-mile walk, visit Ulti-Man 5K.

Contact Caitlin Lilly at clilly@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @caitielilly_