Named as one of the best Turkey Trot’s in the country, and ‘Top Trot’ in Iowa by Runner’s World Magazine 5 years in a row, The Des Moines Turkey Trot is Iowa’s largest Thanksgiving Day tradition.

Join in this holiday in downtown Des Moines, or ‘virtually anywhere,’ for our 5K, 5 Mile, and Tot Trot events. This is indeed an event for runners, walkers and trotters!

The 2023 hat design is revealed below! New for 2023 is the finisher Turkey Trot Ornament seen below with other 2023 designs for the shopper bag + bib. All items below are included with every registration. Be on the look out for additional festive items for purchase during the registration process including this year’s t-shirt, socks, cooked turkey hats and out favorite ‘Cousin Eddy’ trapper hat.

*Pictures above include swag items from various years in the past and may not apply to the current event.

The Des Moines Turkey Trot is like a highlight reel of the city that leads the country in community pride.  Ready to experience downtown Des Moines, or show it off to your visiting family and friends?  Here's your chance! 

 Athletes will start their Thanksgiving run with the Des Moines Courthouse as their backdrop in the heart of the Court 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 in front of the historic World Food Prize building. 

Download our 2023 Des Moines Turkey Trot Map here. 

*Course is subject to change due to city construction. Athletes will be notified by email of any changes before Thanksgiving Day.

Looking for an extra way to give back this Thanksgiving Day? The Des Moines Turkey Trot is looking for all the helping hands we can get to help pull together this amazing day for the Des Moines Community! You won’t go home empty handed. Sign up to volunteer and receive the tshirt below PLUS a morning full of good vibes

Sometimes, it’s all about that getting that perfect portrait. That’s why we’ve built-in serious photo ops to every aspect of our event starting with our “Awkward Family Photo Booth,” to our “City view Selfie Station” and every corner in between. Here’s a trot down memory lane from some of the 15,000 plus turkeys that have joined us.

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS WITH US ON INSTAGRAM!

Event Partners

Thanks to our awesome flock of partners for helping to make the Des Moines Turkey Trot ridiculously cool year after year. 

Interested in aligning your brand with the largest thanksgiving tradition in IOWA? We'd love to hear from you!

Write Us at info@riproarevents.com