The Des Moines Turkey Trot

  • Date Thu 27th November 2025
  • Time 9:00AM CST
  • Location Des Moines, Iowa
  • Price $17.58 - $171.60
  • Races 4 races
  • Distances 5km

Event summary

Join the excitement at the Des Moines Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in beautiful Des Moines, Polk! Recognized as one of the "Top Turkey Trots In The Country" by Runners World Magazine, this event is Iowa's largest Thanksgiving Day tradition and a perfect way to kick off your holiday celebrations.

Choose between two exhilarating race distances: a 5K or a 5-mile run. Both routes showcase the charm of downtown Des Moines, starting with the stunning backdrop of the Des Moines Courthouse in the vibrant Court Ave Entertainment District. As participants trot across the Des Moines River and navigate through the Historic East Village, they will enjoy breathtaking views of the State Capitol Complex. The race culminates with a delightful finish through downtown, making it a memorable experience for both seasoned runners and families alike. Whether you're looking to burn off some holiday calories or simply enjoy a festive atmosphere, the Des Moines Turkey Trot is an event not to be missed!

Organiser's Description

Named as one of the "Top Turkey Trots In The Country" by Runners World Magazine, the Des Moines Turkey Trot is Iowa's largest Thanksgiving Day Tradition.

The run is like a highlight reel of Des Moines so get ready to experience downtown Des Moines, or show it off to your visiting family and friends, while burning off some holiday carbs.

Athletes will start their Thanksgiving run with the Des Moines Courthouse as their backdrop in the heart of the Court Ave Entertainment District. From there, both 5K and 5-mile runners will make their way across the Des Moines River and through the center of the Historic East Village. A slight uphill will run athletes around the whole of the State Capitol Complex which offers the most famous view of downtown Des Moines. From there, it's downhill for home!

5 Mile Athletes will finish their holiday "tour" with a scenic jaunt to the Botanical Center before returning across the Women's Achievement Bridge and finishing by running through the heart of downtown.

Races

  • The Des Moines Turkey Trot 5K + 5 Mile

    Incl. $4.40 Fee

    Thu 27th November 2025 (9:00AM CST)

    $47.40

    Athletes will start their Thanksgiving run with the Des Moines Courthouse as their backdrop in the heart of the Court Ave District. From there, both 5K and 5-mile runners will make their way across the Des Moines River and through the center of the Historic East Village. A slight uphill will run athletes around the whole of the State Capitol Complex which offers the most famous view of downtown Des Moines. From there, it's downhill for home!
  • Family of 4 Turkey Trot Entry

    Incl. $11.60 Fee

    Thu 27th November 2025 (9:00AM CST)

    $171.60

  • Des Moines Turkey Trot - Tot Trot

    Incl. $2.58 Fee

    Thu 27th November 2025 (10:15AM CST)

    $17.58

  • Virtual Des Moines Turkey Trot

    Incl. $4.33 Fee

    $46.33

Reviews

Done this event?

First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.

Add a review

Location

208 Court Ave, Des Moines, 50309, IA, United States

Who's In

See who else is doing this event

Be the first

No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?

More from findarace.com

You might like

Nov 27, 2025

$17.58 - $171.60