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.
- Time limit
- No time limit listed by the organizer
- Walkers
- Not mentioned — ask the organizer
- Terrain
- Not stated
- Certified
- Not stated
Pulled from the organizer's own race description — per the organizer, not independently verified.
Similar races
Browse all
Sun, Sep 27, 2026 · 8:00 AM · Des Moines, Iowa
Golden Harvest Half Marathon & 5k/10k - Des Moines
Source
Race details on this page come from RunSignup and the official race website.
Race details can change and mistakes can be made. Always verify the race website for the most complete and accurate information. Report an error on this page.
Are you the race organizer? Request this listing be removed.
The Des Moines Turkey Trot
Thu, Nov 26, 2026 · $17.58-$182.23