While runners from over 50 teams traversed the trails at Crescenta Valley Park during the Staub/Barnes Invitational Race on Saturday another little running star was busy in the center of the park.

Ulli runs circles around – well actually he just runs around in circles – but he adds a special trick: He balances a ball on his nose. Yes, he may look like a boxer but he thinks he’s part seal.

“He likes bouncing the ball. He started balancing one of those large exercise balls,” said owner Mike Blankenhorn.

But those balls were thin and popped easily, and they were also expensive to replace. Blankenhorn then found a heavier ball which Ulli has now mastered.