The City of Maxeys will host the inaugural Maxeys in May 5K on Saturday, May 18, to raise awareness and funds for the city's Model Mile of the Firefly Trail, a regional, multi-purpose rail-trail for walkers, runners and cyclists that is under development from Athens to Union Point.

The 5K will start at 7:30 a.m. from Laurel Street across Ga. 77 from Maxeys City Hall and Post Office. The course will use paved, residential streets and is mostly flat with some rolling hills. Parts of the course will highlight the future location of the Firefly Trail Maxeys Model Mile.

Pre-registration is open on Active.com for $20 for individuals or $60 for a family of four through May 11. Those who want to support the cause and get a shirt without breaking a sweat are invited to register as "phantom runners" for $20. Race-day registration will be $25 per person and will open at 6:30 a.m., with shirts available while supplies last. Registration includes membership in Firefly Trail Inc. at no additional charge.

"Maxeys is a beautiful little town and we're very happy to welcome runners and walkers of all ages and abilities," said race coordinator and Firefly Trail Inc. Board Member Anne Garner. "My family loves to run and has gotten to know so many wonderful places through running. It's great to be able to introduce others to Maxeys and the Firefly Trail in this way."

Maxeys in May 5K will raise funds for the creation, extension and maintenance of the Firefly Trail inside the city limits. The Firefly Trail is a 39-mile-long rail trail being created on or near the historic corridor of the Georgia Railroad Athens Branch. Roughly a mile of trail in Maxeys – the Maxeys "Model Mile" – is ready for construction as soon as all property rights are secured. Maxeys is in the running to be the first community outside of Athens to have a segment of trail open for use. When completed, the trail will provide tremendous health, safety and economic benefits along its entire length.

Finish line management and results for the race will be provided by Classic Races Services, and the race is affiliated with the 2019 Black Bag Series. Awards will be presented to top male and female finishers overall and in the masters category, as well as to the top three finishers in standard age groups from 10-and-under to 80-and-over.

Shirts and goodie bags are guaranteed to everyone who registers before May 11 and while supplies last for all others. The race will be held rain or shine, though organizers reserve the right to delay or cancel the race if conditions are dangerous.

Maxeys is located on Ga. 77 about 10 miles south of Crawford and Lexington or 13 miles north of Union Point. Parking will be available in designated areas close to the starting point.

For information or to register, search for "Inaugural Maxeys in May 5K" on www.Active.com or visit www.classicraceservices.com. Volunteers are also needed; sign up at https://bit.ly/2VDd0wZ.