In 25 days · Thu, Nov 26, 2026
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Thursday, November 26th, 2026
208 Court Ave, Des Moines IA
5K
29–44°F · low rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 2 of the last 10 years
2025
30–37°F
dry
2024
22–42°F
dry
2023
23–37°F
rain
2022
35–53°F
dry
2021
21–44°F
dry
2020
31–49°F
dry
2019
32–40°F
rain
2018
18–27°F
dry
2017
33–56°F
dry
2016
36–56°F
dry
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About this race
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.
Course map
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