The Des Moines Turkey Trot
- Date Thu 26th November 2026
- Time 9:00AM CST
- Location Des Moines, Iowa
- Price $17.58 - $160.98
- Races 4 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join the fun at the Des Moines Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and be part of Iowa's largest Thanksgiving Day tradition! Recognized as one of the "Top Turkey Trots In The Country" by Runners World Magazine, this exciting event invites runners of all levels to experience the vibrant streets of downtown Des Moines while working off those holiday calories.
Participants can choose between a 5K or a 5-mile course, both of which start at the iconic Des Moines Courthouse in the lively Court Ave Entertainment District. Runners will cross the beautiful Des Moines River, navigate through the Historic East Village, and tackle a slight uphill around the stunning State Capitol Complex, offering breathtaking views of the city. The 5-mile route includes a scenic detour to the Botanical Center before returning through the picturesque Women's Achievement Bridge. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual runner, the Des Moines Turkey Trot promises a memorable Thanksgiving experience filled with community spirit and holiday cheer!
Participants can choose between a 5K or a 5-mile course, both of which start at the iconic Des Moines Courthouse in the lively Court Ave Entertainment District. Runners will cross the beautiful Des Moines River, navigate through the Historic East Village, and tackle a slight uphill around the stunning State Capitol Complex, offering breathtaking views of the city. The 5-mile route includes a scenic detour to the Botanical Center before returning through the picturesque Women's Achievement Bridge. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual runner, the Des Moines Turkey Trot promises a memorable Thanksgiving experience filled with community spirit and holiday cheer!
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.
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. $4.20 Fee
Thu 26th November 2026 (9:00AM CST)
$44.20
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! Approximately 2.5 miles into the race, runners are presented with the option to complete the 5K course or continue on for the 5-mile course. Athletes times and results are automatically updated based on the route they complete. -
Family of 4 Turkey Trot Entry
Incl. $10.98 Fee
Thu 26th November 2026 (9:00AM CST)
$160.98
-
Des Moines Turkey Trot - Tot Trot
Incl. $2.58 Fee
Thu 26th November 2026 (10:15AM CST)
$17.58
-
Virtual Des Moines Turkey Trot
Incl. $4.20 Fee
$44.20
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208 Court Ave, Des Moines, 50309, IA, United States
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The Des Moines Turkey Trot
