NORWICH – Runners, take your mark. The Norwich Family YMCA is gearing up for its 31st annual Turkey Trot, expected to usher in hundreds of runners and walkers from across the area to take part in a 5K race through the streets of Norwich.
The Turkey Trot – a long-loved tradition for the City of Norwich – steps off the start line at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. The race is preceeded by the kids Neighborhood Fun Run at noon. Registration is $20 for adults, $25 after Nov. 15. Students grade 12 and under are $15 and as always, the Neighborhood Fun Run is free. This year, all participants are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the local food pantries. Funds raised will help uphold the mission of the YMCA and its programs.
Nearly 700 people turned out to walk and run at last year’s event, ready to compete or simply push a baby stroller; and for many, it didn’t mater what they placed, so long as they finish the course. “This is something that the whole community can contribute to,” said YMCA Fitness Director and Turkey Trot Coordinator Shannon Gawronski. “It’s something that’s very doable. There’s nobody that can’t get around a 5K.”
The Turkey Trot also knows no age barriers, Gawronski said. She pointed out that over the years, the number of participants have grown at both ends of the age spectrum. “They’re starting younger and lasting longer,” she explained. Last year, kids as young as seven took to the 5K start line, along with several participants over the age of 80. In fact, so many elderly participants joined in that the race now includes a division for participants 80 and older.
Race organizers are keeping their fingers crossed in hopes of good weather and a good turnout, Gawronski added. Early weather predictions indicate warmer than average temperatures Sunday, and as usual, last-minute runners are expected to register as the race draws closer. “We’ve been incredibly lucky in the past,” she admitted. “So much of this is weather dependent and you just never know how it’s going to be until the very end ... This is one of the final community outdoors events of the year. After this, we tend to tuck ourselves back inside until it’s warmer outside.”
The Turkey Trot certainly has no shortage of community support either. A number of local businesses chip in to make the event a success year after year, including Save-A-Lot, which donated frozen turkeys for first place runners in the men’s and women’s divisions this year. Arby’s will donate turkey sandwiches as a post-race treat, and The Trophy Guy in Norwich has given trophies and medals for the top runners. Sidney Federal Credit Union also did something new this year, opting to pay the registration fee for young runners from local school districts. Other local companies including NBT and Chobani have formed teams of employees to join in the race.
“There’s been a growing trend for businesses that want to get their employees involved over the years,” Gawronski noted. “It really shows just how much support is behind an event like this.”
“This event demonstrates strong kids, strong families and strong communities better than any other event we host. A lot of people see us as a basketball town,” she added, referring to the summertime Gus Macker basketball tournament, “but not everyone can play basketball. This is something everybody can be part of and it doesn’t take any skill. It really epitomizes what [the YMCA] does.”
Registration forms for the Turkey Trot are available at the front desk of the Norwich YMCA. For additional information, visit nowichymca.com or call 336-YMCA.