NORWICH – This Sunday afternoon, starting at 12:30 p.m., the streets of downtown Norwich will see hundreds of runners and walkers – maybe even a turkey or two – take on the 38th Annual 5k Norwich Family YMCA Turkey Trot.
“Event participants are welcome to dress in a Thanksgiving themed costume for the event this year,” said Shannon Gawronski, race coordinator and the Y’s fitness director. “We decided to add this as a part of the race to show that while it is a race, it is meant to be fun for everyone in the family.”
This is the third year of the best costume award and it has began to catch on as more and more racers have started to have fun with it. Prizes will be awarded to those who are best dressed for the holiday.
The now 38 year old event was originally brought to the streets for Norwich as an event organized by runners for other runners in the area. The 3.1 mile race has a much bigger purpose now.
“The Turkey Troy serves as a staple fundraising event to help the YMCA answer some of the expenses we see throughout the year,” said Norwich Family YMCA Executive Director Jamey Mullen.
“It is also a holiday tradition that the people of the community use to kickoff the Thanksgiving holiday,” continued Mullen. “Those who lived here before and moved away, comeback for the holiday and choose to return early enough for the event. We love seeing the familiar faces take part in the event year after year.”
Once again, the goal of the event for 2019 is to have 500 or more runners/walkers contest the mostly flat 5k course around the city streets in effort to raise money for the YMCA. With the Sunday afternoon event being one for all in the family, turkey trotters of all ages can register for the 5k run/walk.
For the kids ages 11 and under, there is a free half-mile run/walk. The kids neighborhood fun run takes placed prior to the start of the big race.
“The neighborhood fun run gives those younger participants who aren’t quite ready to take on the larger course but who want experience road races like mom and dad,” said Gawronski. “This fun, little race is something we added a few years ago to help promote heath and wellness at a young age. Each year, we see more and more kids partake and it is great to see.”
The younger races are asked to be there at 11:45 a.m. with their event beginning at 12 noon.
Weather Conditions for race currently have a good outlook as the forecast shows a partly sunny day with a high of 39 for race time.
Gawronski and the staff of the YMCA remind all runners to use caution while on the course as vehicles and trotters will share the road at the time of the event. “We ask that everyone please be careful while on the course,” said Gawronski. “We want everyone to start and the end the race with no injuries.”
Those who win their age division will receive the prize of the infamous “Turkey Trophy,” as well as a medal. Divisions are 11-and-under, 12-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80-and-over are for both men and women, with one men’s overall winner and one women’s overall winner awarded.
Each individual who registers will receive a race shirt, a post-race sandwich and snacks from Arby’s as well as a yogurt from Chobani and other goodies. “Thanks to the many sponsors of the event, we are able to provide that for every person who signs up,” said Gawronski. “If it wasn’t for all the sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to host the event year after year. We always have wonderful community support year after year.”
As the race takes many volunteers to operate smoothly, all are welcome to help and are asked to contact the Y to sign-up. Families, friends and members of the community are also invited to cheer on the participants throughout the race and at the finish line.
Applications for the event are currently being accepted at the Y and will continue until 12 p.m. on race day. Entry fee is $30 for all runners except students in 12th grade or younger will have a fee of $20. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. on race day and all participants must sign in to receive your racing bib.
Stop by the Norwich Family YMCA today to pick up the entry application or fill out the online form using the link on the Y’s website, www.norwichymca.com.