NORWICH – Nearly 300 runners turned out to participate in the Norwich Family YMCA’s 27th Annual Turkey Trot 5K race. The runners braved below-freezing temperatures to set personal-best records, or to simply feel the gratification of participating.

“Every year we witness something exciting and new,” said Jamey Mullen, YMCA executive director. “We had participants as young as five-year-old Jessie Sutton complete the entire course, and as seasoned as 82-year-old Jack Meeks.”

“It’s always impressive to see how well some of these runners do in spite of the weather conditions,” said Tom Revoir, YMCA program director.

Matt LoPiccolo, 33, of Oneonta was again the fastest on the course winning the men’s race in 17:18.

Amanda Laytham, 26, of Oneonta – and also LoPiccolo’s spouse – was the first woman to cross the finish line with a time of 18:16, a time bested by just five male racers. Just a few steps behind her was Murphee Hayes, of Marathon, who was the first female to finish in the 30-39 age group with a time of 18:40.

Other outstanding performances included finishes by members of the same family. Sarah Spittler, of Norwich, was first to finish among 13-15 year-old females with a time of 22:47. Her brother, Steven Spittler, was the first 16-19 year old male to finish, with an impressive time of 17:28, good for second overall.