Frank Speziale Photo

NORWICH – Light flurries were falling from the sky on Sunday as the gun fired into the air marking the start of the 37th annual Turkey Trot in front of the Norwich Family YMCA. That did not stop the runners from taking the streets of downtown Norwich for the 5k run/walk race.

Nearly hitting the goal of 500 runners, Shannon Gawronski – Norwich YMCA Health and Fitness Director and race coordinator – was pleased with the turnout of the event. “It was a a beautiful day,” said Gawronski. “Yes the snow was falling but it was the nice, light falling flakes. The warm temperature at the start was better than the past few years. It was a great turn out.”

Amanda and Matt LoPiccolo finished the race together and were crowned the overall winners of their respective genders. Amanda’s time was 18:41.24 and Matt crossed the finish line .8 seconds after.

All in the family

Prior to the 5k run/walk race, the Kids Neighborhood Run took place. Both of the LoPiccolo’s children ran in the event, a race that saw about 20-30 children on the block around the YMCA.

Matt’s sister Beth Marks also had children participate in the kids run while Marks took to the streets to create a family event. “The family involvement is exactly what this event is meant to be,” said Gawronski. “[The LoPiccolo] family wasn’t the only group that had most if not all members involved and it is great to see.”

Fun for all ages