Runners and walkers looking to save money and increase the good they do for area communities are invited to register for the 2020 Firefly Trail Race Series, which brings together registration for four local races in support of the Firefly Trail.

The inaugural race series is presented by Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty and managed by Classic Race Services. It will provide competitive and recreational running and walking opportunities in towns formerly linked by the historic 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 US 78

Union Point Junction Jamboree Jog 5K, Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m., starting at 206 Veazey St.

"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."

Registration is open through Jan. 20, 2020, at $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 award points for the Black Bag Race Series, and the Firefly Trail Race Series awards will be presented on Sept. 26 after the Union Junction Jamboree 5K.

To register, go to Fireflytrail.com, and follow the link under the race series blog post, or look for the race series under the “Events” tab. 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]). The deadline to register is Jan. 20, 2020.