Where: Race starts at Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA
Distance: 5 Mile Run, 2 Mile Run/ Walk, and Walk
Description: Trophy to overall winner in five and two mile races. Pumpkin pies to the top three in each age group.
Contact: Dave
Registration: Download the form here: Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Des Moines 2011 Entry
Like another person mentioned, this is a very low-key race. I usually appreciate the simpleness of a small local race without a lot of complications. I’ve run this race for the past 5 years or so. This year, I’m guessing because of the nice weather, the race day entry line was probably the longest I’ve seen. My other comments are:
– Not sure why they don’t have online race entry (or at least I couldn’t find any place to register online). It’s very old-school: print off the entry, fill it out, find a stamp and mail it in. Otherwise, take your chances standing in line on race day. Really? In this day and age? I’d pay the extra $2-$3 for the convenience.
– Race start was 15 minutes late this year, which was a little bit frustrating. I’m sure it was, in part, due to the lengthy line for race day registrations. But because the race start is later in the morning anyway, I wish they would make a point to start on time.
– There are no race # bibs and nobody formally keeps track of your time. Do it yourself or it doesn’t get done. Pie winners (to the first 3 in each age group) are in the order you come through the finishers chute.
– There’s no water. No course support (it’s a closed course, so not necessary). I think there was one porta pottie open at the Fairgrounds. There are no post-race refreshments at the end.
– It’s a nice little race and it’s popularity is obviously heavily dependent on the weather. I agree with others that perhaps an 8 a.m. start time might get more entries but then again, maybe they like to keep the race small.
Is there going to be another race like this in 2011 on Thanksgiving Day. If so please give out the info on it so people can get registered. Please contact me at my e-mail address
It sounds like fun but I wish it was a earlier. Many of the cities around the country have start times at 8.
This sounds great, except for the time–seems “late” in the morning to do a race (without any restrooms available???) on Thanksgiving day—especially when the gatherings I’ve always been to have the meal at Noon (north or far west) of DMS.
I wish the race started earlier in the day; it’s cold in Iowa anyway in November, how would an 8am start going to make a difference in the scheme of things.
I’ve run the 5 mile race the past couple of years. It is VERY low-key and kinda fun, and it gives me an excuse to eat dessert later in the day. For the five-miler, you run 5 one-mile loops in the NW corner of the fairgrounds (around the grandstand). To tell you the truth, I don’t even know if they have water stops available. The only time I’ve been able to see results is at the finish line (so, be sure to remember your time!). After you finish, you get in line to see if you’ve won a pumpkin pie. I *think* the top five people in each age group win a pumpkin pie. You can see your place within your age group, as a volunteer manually writes the runner’s name and place on a piece of paper. Be sure to get a good look at that paper, as it indicates your place. Unfortunately, I don’t think it includes the times of each runner. And I’ve never seen the results posted anywhere. Again, this is a low-key race, although the quest to win the pumpkin pie seems to attract a decent crowd. This race is becoming part of our Thanksgiving family tradition. While it’s not as organized as other races, I love this race – it commences our Thanksgiving day in a healthy way.
Does anyone know the results of this race? I would love to post them but cannot get a hold of the race director.
Hi Kathy,
You certainly can register the day of the race. The advantage of registering before would be to save a couple bucks.
Looks like the entry is cheaper before Nov. 21st…$15 with a shirt and $7 without.
After Nov. 21st through Race day, the entry is $20 with a shirt and $10 without.
Hopefully you can make it and let us know how it goes.
-John
I am planning on being in Des Moines for Thanksgiving staying with my sister and family. Do we need to rregister in advance or if our energy is up on Thanksgiving morning can we just show up and walk?
Hi Jen,
You can sign up for the 5 Mile Run or 2 Mile Run/ Walk. There is not a 3 Mile option. The “3M-5M” at the top right indicates that the main distance is between 3 Miles and 5 Miles.
Good Luck in the race and let us know how it goes,
-John
Hi, is this a 2mile or 3mile race? One place it is listed as 3 and on the entry form it is listed as 2. Please advise
Thanks