NORWICH – Hundreds of runners and walkers are expected to lace up and pound the pavement on Sunday as the 32nd annual Turkey Trot 5K road race takes off through the streets of Norwich.

The Turkey Trot is a long-standing tradition in the City of Norwich, luring in runners from across Chenango County and beyond for a race like no other. The big event steps off at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Just as it is every year, the race will be preceed by the kids’ Neighborhood Fun Run at noon. Registration is $27 for adults the day of the race and $17 for students in grades 12 and under. The Neighborhood Fun Run will be free to all kids who would like to participate.

“This year, it’s going to be bigger and better,” said YMCA Turkey Trot coordinator Shannon Gawronski. “We have more runners pre registered this year than ever before and what’s more impressive, we have more kids of every age who have signed up to run the actual 5K road race.”

The Turkey Trot has grown in numbers since its first appearance in 1981. More than 700 turned out to conquer the 3.1 mile course last year. Whether competing with self, other runners or simply pushing a baby stroller the entire way, it’s always a good time for everyone, said Gawronski. The important thing, she added, is that everyone finish.