NORWICH – Though running might not be what many people associate with the holiday season, hundreds of local runners are preparing for one last road race before Thanksgiving as the Norwich YMCA hosts the 30th annual Turkey Trot 5K race Sunday.

Every year, the event attracts more than 600 participants who seek competition, want to walk with friends and family or just have the self-desire to finish the run. It’s almost always a great turnout, said Turkey Trot Coordinator and YMCA Fitness Director Shannon Gawronski. According to her, as many as 200 runners often register the day of the race, weather permitting, and hundreds more complete an early registration form to participate.

“There are almost 300 registered already and we have about 50 volunteers for the day,” said Gawronski. This year, the event has drawn in diverse age groups with some of the youngest and oldest runners ever participating.

“This year, we have more kids than we have ever had. Some of the runners are as young as eight or nine years old,” Gawronski said, “and the oldest runner known this year is 85 years old.”