Ames Turkey Trot 2026 — Ames, IA

Date
November 26, 2026
Location
Ames, IA
Venue
410 5th St
Start Time
9:00 AM
Entry Fee
$10.00 – $50.00
Events
5K, Turkey Tot Trot - 400 Meters
Includes
T-Shirt | Coloring & Activity Book
Register NowRegistration Open

The Ames Turkey Trot is a running race held on November 26, 2026, in Ames, Iowa, offering both a 400-meter and 5K distance. The event starts at 9:00 AM from 410 5th Street. Entry fees range from $10 to $50 depending on registration timing and distance selected. This race provides options for runners of different ability levels, from those tackling the quarter-mile sprint to those running the standard 5K distance. If you're traveling to Ames for this Thanksgiving-week event, you'll want accommodations within easy reach of downtown, where the race begins.

From the Race Organizer
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!

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Ames, IA. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

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Ames Turkey Trot 2026 — Ames, 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 Ames, 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

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Ames Turkey Trot 2026 — Ames, IA?

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

Where is Ames Turkey Trot 2026 — Ames, IA held?

Ames Turkey Trot 2026 — Ames, IA is held at 410 5th St in Ames, Iowa.

Where can I find hotels near Ames Turkey Trot 2026 — Ames, IA?

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