On your mark, get set... YMCA hosts 32nd Turkey Trot
NORWICH – Hundreds of runners and walkers are expected to lace up and pound the pavement on Sunday as the 32nd annual Turkey Trot 5K road race takes off through the streets of Norwich.
The Turkey Trot is a long-standing tradition in the City of Norwich, luring in runners from across Chenango County and beyond for a race like no other. The big event steps off at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Just as it is every year, the race will be preceed by the kids’ Neighborhood Fun Run at noon. Registration is $27 for adults the day of the race and $17 for students in grades 12 and under. The Neighborhood Fun Run will be free to all kids who would like to participate.
“This year, it’s going to be bigger and better,” said YMCA Turkey Trot coordinator Shannon Gawronski. “We have more runners pre registered this year than ever before and what’s more impressive, we have more kids of every age who have signed up to run the actual 5K road race.”
The Turkey Trot has grown in numbers since its first appearance in 1981. More than 700 turned out to conquer the 3.1 mile course last year. Whether competing with self, other runners or simply pushing a baby stroller the entire way, it’s always a good time for everyone, said Gawronski. The important thing, she added, is that everyone finish.
Each racer will be given a number and electronic time chip that accurately tracks their finish time. “That’s really important for a lot of runners. With these chips, they’re getting the most accurate 5K times possible,” Gawronski noted.
“We have 550 people who have pre registered so far and we expect at least another 100 on the day of the race. That’s when we see the numbers really increase,” she added.
But with so many runners taking to the streets, there’s always the unavoidable fear of something going wrong. The YMCA is stressing the importance of motorists keeping an eye out for runners on Sunday, many of whom will be kids running on the road for the first time. “We always hear the horror stories after the race about a car shooting through (gaps) of runners,” Gawronski said. “Even with our volunteer help, it can be terrifying sending runners out there.”
The YMCA is also rolling out new long-sleeved shirts for this year’s Turkey Trot racers and volunteers, complete with a new design and made free to everyone who registers. In addition, participants will be given free yogurt, compliments of Chobani; a post race turkey sandwich donated by Arby’s restaurant; and fruit from Tops Food Market.
“For the amount that participants pay, they get so much: free yogurt, fruit, high quality shirts, lunch aftwards and professional timing,” Gawronski said. “I don’t think you can get that at any other race in the area.”
And what’s a race without awards? The top male and female runners will be awarded with a frozen Thanksgiving turkey, donated by Save-A-Lot food stores. Awards will also be given for first, second and third place male and female runners of every age group, as well as first, second and third place trophies for the top finishing school groups.
Registration for the Turkey Trot will be held at the Norwich Family YMCA on Mechanic Street the morning of the race. Runners and walkers are asked to leave their dog at home. For more information, contact the YMCA at 336-YMCA or visit norwichymca.com.
The Turkey Trot is a long-standing tradition in the City of Norwich, luring in runners from across Chenango County and beyond for a race like no other. The big event steps off at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Just as it is every year, the race will be preceed by the kids’ Neighborhood Fun Run at noon. Registration is $27 for adults the day of the race and $17 for students in grades 12 and under. The Neighborhood Fun Run will be free to all kids who would like to participate.
“This year, it’s going to be bigger and better,” said YMCA Turkey Trot coordinator Shannon Gawronski. “We have more runners pre registered this year than ever before and what’s more impressive, we have more kids of every age who have signed up to run the actual 5K road race.”
The Turkey Trot has grown in numbers since its first appearance in 1981. More than 700 turned out to conquer the 3.1 mile course last year. Whether competing with self, other runners or simply pushing a baby stroller the entire way, it’s always a good time for everyone, said Gawronski. The important thing, she added, is that everyone finish.
Each racer will be given a number and electronic time chip that accurately tracks their finish time. “That’s really important for a lot of runners. With these chips, they’re getting the most accurate 5K times possible,” Gawronski noted.
“We have 550 people who have pre registered so far and we expect at least another 100 on the day of the race. That’s when we see the numbers really increase,” she added.
But with so many runners taking to the streets, there’s always the unavoidable fear of something going wrong. The YMCA is stressing the importance of motorists keeping an eye out for runners on Sunday, many of whom will be kids running on the road for the first time. “We always hear the horror stories after the race about a car shooting through (gaps) of runners,” Gawronski said. “Even with our volunteer help, it can be terrifying sending runners out there.”
The YMCA is also rolling out new long-sleeved shirts for this year’s Turkey Trot racers and volunteers, complete with a new design and made free to everyone who registers. In addition, participants will be given free yogurt, compliments of Chobani; a post race turkey sandwich donated by Arby’s restaurant; and fruit from Tops Food Market.
“For the amount that participants pay, they get so much: free yogurt, fruit, high quality shirts, lunch aftwards and professional timing,” Gawronski said. “I don’t think you can get that at any other race in the area.”
And what’s a race without awards? The top male and female runners will be awarded with a frozen Thanksgiving turkey, donated by Save-A-Lot food stores. Awards will also be given for first, second and third place male and female runners of every age group, as well as first, second and third place trophies for the top finishing school groups.
Registration for the Turkey Trot will be held at the Norwich Family YMCA on Mechanic Street the morning of the race. Runners and walkers are asked to leave their dog at home. For more information, contact the YMCA at 336-YMCA or visit norwichymca.com.
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