The series is professionally managed by Classic Race Services and presented by Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty. It will provide competitive and recreational running and walking opportunities in towns formerly linked by the Athens Branch of the Georgia Railroad. This 39-mile transportation corridor is being converted into a non-motorized rail-trail between Athens and Union Point. A safe, off-road path for walking, running, biking, skating and other non-motorized uses, the Firefly Trail will connect three counties and eight communities, offer health benefits, boost economies and bring people together.
The Firefly Trail Race Series features these events in 2020:
- Winterville Snowflake 10K, Jan. 25, 9 a.m., a Peachtree qualifier, starting at 101 South Marigold
Lane
- Maxeys Model Mile 5K, May 2, 7:30 a.m., starting on Laurel Lane off Ga. 77
- Crawford Restoration Run 5K, Sept. 7, 7:30 a.m., starting at the Crawford Depot on U.S. 78
- Union Point Junction Jamboree Jog 5K, Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m., starting at 206 Veazey St.
Series registration costs $64 per runner/walker, a price that works out to just $16 per race. Registration includes all awards, services and incentives offered by each race, including t-shirts. In addition, Classic Race Services will present awards specifically for Firefly Trail Race Series participants after the Union Point Junction Jamboree, and participants also earn points for the Black Bag Race Series.
Click here to download the registration form.
Paper forms are also available at all upcoming Classic Race Services events or by contacting Anne Garner ([email protected]), John Kissane ([email protected]) or Carole Black ([email protected]).
Mail-in registrations must be received by Jan. 20 in order to have time for processing before the Snowflake 10K. However, you can sign up for the series at day-of registration for the Snowflake 10K on Jan. 25. Registration for the Snowflake 10K will open at 8 a.m.
"This inaugural race series will highlight the strong connections between Firefly Trail and the cities along its 39-mile corridor," said John Kissane, Trail Development Coordinator and an avid runner. "In addition, the series will highlight the potential Firefly Trail holds for attracting a variety of fun recreational activities to the area."
"The four races that compose the 2020 series are established events," noted Anne Garner, Firefly Trail Inc., Board member and lead organizer of the Maxeys Model Mile 5K. "But each subsequent year, as Firefly Trail progresses toward completion, we envision the race series expanding and improving. And each race in the series welcomes competitive runners as well as fitness joggers and recreational walkers of all ages."