Many special treats await participants in the Monastery of the Holy Spirit’s second annual 5K Run/Walk on May 7.

The race begins at 8 a.m. The entry fee is $25. Children under 12 are free but won’t receive T-shirt.

For the early birds, there’s a Community Mass at 7 a.m. in the historic Abbey Church. An extra prayer may come in handy around mile two, coined "Repentance Hill." Other than said hill, the course is mostly a flattish trail race offering scenic scapes of Monastery grounds normally not opened to the general public. "As land stewards, the race is part of our effort to share this great resource – the largest contiguous green space in the area – with the community," said Brother Callistus.

Runners, walkers and spectators will also get a first look at the Monastery’s recently completed Visitor’s Center. Not to mention, Jim n’ Nick’s will be back again post-race supplying replenishment. "It’s a real family event, from elderly couples walking hand-in-hand to young parents pushing babies in jog strollers and everyone in between," said Callistus. Among the swell will be at least six monks, including Father Tom Francis, who is in his 80s, and Father Gerard who finished in an impressive 28:00 time last year despite taking off several minutes after the start. He added how moved the monks were witnessing families garbed in running gear receiving sacraments during Mass.

For more information or to register, visit www.revolutionrunning.net or www.trappist.net. Registration is also available at the Monastery store, 2625 Hwy 212 SW, Conyers.