It's time for the Turkey Trot!
NORWICH – Though running might not be what many people associate with the holiday season, hundreds of local runners are preparing for one last road race before Thanksgiving as the Norwich YMCA hosts the 30th annual Turkey Trot 5K race Sunday.
Every year, the event attracts more than 600 participants who seek competition, want to walk with friends and family or just have the self-desire to finish the run. It’s almost always a great turnout, said Turkey Trot Coordinator and YMCA Fitness Director Shannon Gawronski. According to her, as many as 200 runners often register the day of the race, weather permitting, and hundreds more complete an early registration form to participate.
“There are almost 300 registered already and we have about 50 volunteers for the day,” said Gawronski. This year, the event has drawn in diverse age groups with some of the youngest and oldest runners ever participating.
“This year, we have more kids than we have ever had. Some of the runners are as young as eight or nine years old,” Gawronski said, “and the oldest runner known this year is 85 years old.”
Of course, the Turkey Trot is not limited to runners. “Walkers are always welcome,” Gawronski added.
In addition to the 5K event, the Y will also host a neighborhood fun run for children 10 and under, beginning at noon.
Police will temporarily block traffic on North and South Broad Streets when the race begins, allowing the hoard of participants to use the entire road when the race begins. Cones will be placed throughout the city, warning drivers and participants to be cautious during the race. Gawronski advises drivers to be on the look out during race times.
“Be very aware of runners between 12:30 and 1:30; there’s a lot of runners. We can’t be too careful, especially at intersections,” she said.
After the race, an awards ceremony will be held in the YMCA gym. The first place runners in each age group will receive a frozen turkey with their gold medal and the top overall male and female runners will get a $100 gift certificate to use at a sporting goods store. Awards will also be given to the schools with the highest number of participants, said Gawronski.
Twelve local sponsors have contributed to this year’s Turkey Trot, including Chobani, which has donated free yogurt and Arby’s with their provision of free turkey sandwiches. This year, the United Methodist Church is also sponsoring the event and in addition, will be collecting non-perishable food items – everyone’s encouraged to bring a Thanksgiving food item to support local food pantries.
Cost is $25 to register. Students 12th grade and under are $15 and kids ten and under who wish to participate in the neighborhood fun run can do so free of charge. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Sunday and the race starts at 12:30 p.m. Early registration forms are available at the Norwich Family YMCA. For more information, call 336-YMCA.
Every year, the event attracts more than 600 participants who seek competition, want to walk with friends and family or just have the self-desire to finish the run. It’s almost always a great turnout, said Turkey Trot Coordinator and YMCA Fitness Director Shannon Gawronski. According to her, as many as 200 runners often register the day of the race, weather permitting, and hundreds more complete an early registration form to participate.
“There are almost 300 registered already and we have about 50 volunteers for the day,” said Gawronski. This year, the event has drawn in diverse age groups with some of the youngest and oldest runners ever participating.
“This year, we have more kids than we have ever had. Some of the runners are as young as eight or nine years old,” Gawronski said, “and the oldest runner known this year is 85 years old.”
Of course, the Turkey Trot is not limited to runners. “Walkers are always welcome,” Gawronski added.
In addition to the 5K event, the Y will also host a neighborhood fun run for children 10 and under, beginning at noon.
Police will temporarily block traffic on North and South Broad Streets when the race begins, allowing the hoard of participants to use the entire road when the race begins. Cones will be placed throughout the city, warning drivers and participants to be cautious during the race. Gawronski advises drivers to be on the look out during race times.
“Be very aware of runners between 12:30 and 1:30; there’s a lot of runners. We can’t be too careful, especially at intersections,” she said.
After the race, an awards ceremony will be held in the YMCA gym. The first place runners in each age group will receive a frozen turkey with their gold medal and the top overall male and female runners will get a $100 gift certificate to use at a sporting goods store. Awards will also be given to the schools with the highest number of participants, said Gawronski.
Twelve local sponsors have contributed to this year’s Turkey Trot, including Chobani, which has donated free yogurt and Arby’s with their provision of free turkey sandwiches. This year, the United Methodist Church is also sponsoring the event and in addition, will be collecting non-perishable food items – everyone’s encouraged to bring a Thanksgiving food item to support local food pantries.
Cost is $25 to register. Students 12th grade and under are $15 and kids ten and under who wish to participate in the neighborhood fun run can do so free of charge. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Sunday and the race starts at 12:30 p.m. Early registration forms are available at the Norwich Family YMCA. For more information, call 336-YMCA.
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