In 48 days · Thu, Nov 26, 2026
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Thursday, November 26th, 2026
410 5th St, Ames IA
5K
28–43°F · low rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 2 of the last 10 years
2025
30–37°F
dry
2024
19–41°F
dry
2023
22–37°F
rain
2022
35–53°F
dry
2021
20–41°F
dry
2020
31–48°F
dry
2019
31–40°F
rain
2018
17–26°F
dry
2017
31–55°F
dry
2016
36–55°F
dry
Best months to race in Iowa →
Race-day forecast says layers
28°F at the start.
Gloves, ear warmers, throwaway layers, hand warmers — delivered before race day.
About this race
What is better on Thanksgiving Day than starting out with a fun 5K? Get ready for your turkey and potatoes through the streets of Ames with your favorite running & walking buddies! The course will weave you from beautiful downtown Ames through some of the best parts of our Cyclone city and finish right back where we started. Enjoy a family-friendly 5K open to all ages, speeds, and abilities! There will be fun vibes and refreshments for everyone at the finish line to enjoy before heading home for your Thanksgiving fun! Every participant registered by 11/14 gets a race t-shirt to commemorate the excitement, and a finisher's medal to celebrate the accomplishment!
Our NEW Turkey Tot Trot will take kiddos through the beautiful downtown of Main & 5th to get their Trot on too! Participants will receive a unique Ames Turkey Trot coloring book and race medal to celebrate their festive feat!
Packet Pickup will be at Fitness Sports - Ames on Wednesday 11/26 from 11:00am - 5:00pm, and Thursday morning from 7:30am-8:45am. We highly encourage as many participants to pickup their own packets on Wednesday to reduce wait times and to enjoy the special offers, deals, and coupons given by our amazing race sponsors!
5K participants are only guaranteed a shirt if they sign up before 11/14/25! After that point, we cannot guarantee you will receive one, so don't wait to get registered and secure your items!
Course map
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