(Photo by Frank Speziale)

NORWICH – The 38th annual Norwich Family YMCA Turkey Trot was held in Norwich over the weekend, with several leading the pack and bringing home free turkeys for their families.

This year’s top winners were Josh Nogaret placing first overall with a time of 17:32:31 and Dorothy Collison placing first for women with a time of 21:20:56.

Kathleen Cheesborough finished first in her age group and donated her winner’s turkey to a local food bank.

YMCA Executive Director Jamey Mullen, said her donation is a true sign of the season of giving and the season of thanks as well.

According to Mullen, besides using the event as a fundraiser for the YMCA; the Turkey Trot is also an opportunity to highlight the community and open the door for many out of town folks participating in the event.

“Additionally, the event kicks off the holiday season with many family members returning home for Thanksgiving and participating,” said Mullen. “It has turned into a nice family event with children running, father and daughters running together, parents with children in strollers, and even families walking their four legged friends too.”