NORWICH – On a sunny, cool day, a record number of runners turned out for the Norwich YMCA’s 28th Annual Turkey Trot 5K road race here Sunday afternoon.

Over the past 15 years, around 300 people typically registered for the race. That total was exceeded by nearly a whopping 200 as 495 signed up for this year’s event, and 445 completed the 3.18-mile layout through the streets of Norwich.

“The cost to pre-register ($15) is so low here, and I think a lot of people wanted to stay local rather that travel and pay more for another race,” said Norwich YMCA Fitness Director, Shannon Gawronski. “There is a lot of value for this race.”

Overall winners in the men’s and women’s divisions received $100 gift certificates, first-place finishers in each age group brought home turkeys, and each top-three runner by age division was awarded a gold, silver or bronze medal. All participants received complimentary sandwiches, drinks, and a piece of fruit for their entry, and all those who pre-registered were given long-sleeve turkey trot t-shirts.

Tremendous weather brought in nearly 90 race-day entries, but the friendly climate did not yield record times. With defending champions Matt and Amanda LoPiccolo not entered, the field was wide-open for new champions, and Richford teenager, Devon Crispell, 17, finished in 17 minutes, 32 seconds, 33 seconds better than runner-up David Slater of New Berlin to win the men’s title.