NORWICH — The Norwich Family YMCA invites all to come together, lace up those running shoes and celebrate the 44th annual Turkey Trot 5K, at 12:30 p.m., November 23, in front of the YMCA, located at 68-70 North Broad Street in Norwich.

“This event is a long-standing community event that brings on average about 400 runners to our community all in the name of charity, family and friends,” said Norwich Family YMCA Executive Directory Jamey Mullen.

Mullen said the event attracts competitive runners, casual and beginner runners, walkers and youth.

“Some folks use the event to highlight their family, a cause and more,” he said. “We love this as one of the first events that kick off the holiday season too.”

He said folks bring their dogs out for a walk, dress up, run with an American flag and more. Kids can join the fun too with a free Kids Neighborhood Fun Run that will begin at 12:00 p.m., for a quick run around the block.

“It’s fun and friendly and we are thankful we have been able to succeed during the past 44 years,” Mullen continued. “Our biggest event was 650 runners and our smallest was probably the early years of COVID, when it was a virtual event.”

The men’s and women’s divisions will include various age brackets from 11 to 80 plus, with early registration discounted tickets for adults at $30. After November 15 through race day the ticket cost will be $35. For students grades 12 and under the cost is $25.

To register go to https://raceroster.com/events/2025/111810/the-44th-annual-norwich-ymca-turkey-trot.

If registering online, there is a processing fee through the company. Late registration is available on race day, starting at 10 a.m. Participants are encouraged to sign up in advance to save their spot and ensure they receive a racing shirt on the day of the event.

The race route will be marked off and supervised by volunteers. According to the map found at the YMCA Facebook page, the race will start in front of the Y and the Methodist Church on Broad Street.

Runners will run south on Broad then turn left on Division Street. At the end of Division Street, runners will take a left onto Birdsall Street and continue straight, crossing Main Street and then straight on Birdsall as it becomes Silver Street until it ends. Next, runners will take a left onto Borden Avenue which snakes around the park and ends at Pires Flower Shop. The runners will take a left onto North Broad Street, pass UHS Memorial Hospital and downhill to return to the YMCA.

Mullen noted first place finishers in each age group will receive a frozen turkey, courtesy of Preferred Mutual Insurance.

Registrants will receive an accurate chip timing system, a 2025 Turkey Trot race shirt (guaranteed to all who pre-register), and an array of refreshments, including an Arby’s turkey sandwich, Stewart's chocolate milk, Deja Brew bagels, Chobani yogurt, and more.

Last year’s Turkey Trot 5K saw its largest number of participants since COVID, with 354 registered runners. Out of the 354 total runners, 323 finished the 5K, which theme was the “Twist and Trot,” with 157 females and 166 males.

The youngest runner was four years old and the oldest was 83, showing a range of active community members.

This year’s Turkey Trot is made possible by many local sponsors, including GE Unison, NBT Bank, Preferred Mutual Insurance, Stewart's Shops, Chobani, the Pennysaver, The Evening Sun, Reese-Marshall, NYCM Insurance, Arby's, Electron Coil Inc, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Park Place Sports Bar & Grill, Grand Union Supermarket, Deja Brew Cafe, Enlightened Dentistry, Wilson Funeral Home, Knuckle Down Coffee, New York Pizzeria, Sidney Federal Credit Union, Fred's Inn & Restaurant, Price Chopper, Burrell's Excavation, Chenango Massage Therapy, The Trophy Guy and Sports Connection, Progressive Dental, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, and Walmart.

For a race route video, hardcopy route or hard copy application, visit NorwichYMCA Facebook page.

For more information regarding the Norwich YMCA, visit their website at norwichymca.org.