Runners take off during the 2018 Norwich Family YMCA Turkey Trot event. The 38th Annual race is set for Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Registration for the event is still taking place at the YMCA and will until 12 p.m. race day. (Evening Sun Photo, Frank Speziale)

NORWICH – This Sunday afternoon, starting at 12:30 p.m., the streets of downtown Norwich will see hundreds of runners and walkers – maybe even a turkey or two – take on the 38th Annual 5k Norwich Family YMCA Turkey Trot.

“Event participants are welcome to dress in a Thanksgiving themed costume for the event this year,” said Shannon Gawronski, race coordinator and the Y’s fitness director. “We decided to add this as a part of the race to show that while it is a race, it is meant to be fun for everyone in the family.”

This is the third year of the best costume award and it has began to catch on as more and more racers have started to have fun with it. Prizes will be awarded to those who are best dressed for the holiday.

The now 38 year old event was originally brought to the streets for Norwich as an event organized by runners for other runners in the area. The 3.1 mile race has a much bigger purpose now.

“The Turkey Troy serves as a staple fundraising event to help the YMCA answer some of the expenses we see throughout the year,” said Norwich Family YMCA Executive Director Jamey Mullen.