The Des Moines Turkey Trot 2026 — Des Moines, IA

Date
November 26, 2026
Location
Des Moines, IA
Venue
208 Court Ave
Start Time
9:00 AM
Sunrise
7:14 AM
Entry Fee
$15.00 – $198.00
Events
The Des Moines Turkey Trot 5K + 5 Mile, Family of 4 Turkey Trot Entry, Des Moines Turkey Trot - Tot Trot
Register NowRegistration OpenOfficial Race Website
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 & Travel Notes

At 817 feet elevation, Des Moines offers minimal altitude adjustment concerns for most runners. The race begins at 9:00 AM, well after sunrise at 7:16 AM, giving you good daylight from the start. November weather in Des Moines typically brings highs around 48°F and lows near 30°F, with about a quarter of days experiencing measurable rain, so dress in layers and be prepared for possible wet conditions. Des Moines International Airport is conveniently located just 4 miles from the venue, making it straightforward to arrange ground transportation.

⛰️ 817 ft elevation☀️ Typically 48°F / 30°F · 26% chance of rain✈️ Des Moines International Airport (DSM) — 4 mi

Hotels Near This Race

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The Des Moines Turkey Trot 2026 — Des Moines, IA

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for November 26.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Des Moines, IA. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is The Des Moines Turkey Trot 2026 — Des Moines, IA?

The Des Moines Turkey Trot 2026 — Des Moines, IA takes place on November 26, 2026. The race is held in Des Moines, Iowa.

Where is The Des Moines Turkey Trot 2026 — Des Moines, IA held?

The Des Moines Turkey Trot 2026 — Des Moines, IA is held at 208 Court Ave in Des Moines, Iowa.

Where can I find hotels near The Des Moines Turkey Trot 2026 — Des Moines, IA?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Des Moines. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.