It’s time to shake your tail feathers! Whether you’re an avid runner or a novice in sneakers, take part in these top Iowa turkey trots.
Nov. 18: Stuffed Turkey Endurance Races
Granger
As the name suggests, this Iowa turkey trot gives guests the perfect opportunity to burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories. The races range from 10 miles to a mentally and physically fierce 100-miler for those who are more experienced. Plus, the race locale at Jester Park Equestrian Center has plenty of hot dogs, brats, pizza, doughnuts and bagels to keep your batteries charged.
Fee: Starting at $60.
Details: 10-mile run, 8 a.m. start; 50K run, 12:50 p.m. start; 50-mile run, 3 p.m. start; 100-mile run, 6 a.m. start.
For more information: stuffedturkeyendurance.weebly.com.
Nov. 19: Muscatine Turkey Trot
Muscatine
Looking for a fun way to get your Thanksgiving turkey for free? At the Muscatine Turkey Trot, guests can test their luck and hopefully win their bird just in time for Thanksgiving dinner. This 3-mile-long Iowa turkey trot, kicking off at the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course, makes things interesting by letting guests predict their run/walk time for the chance to win their turkey at the award ceremony.
Fee: $20.
Details: 3-mile run/walk, 10:30 a.m. start; 1-mile run/walk (age 14 and under), 10 a.m. start. Registration will take place on the day of the trot from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the races.
For more information: www.muscatineiowa.gov.
Nov. 23: Des Moines Turkey Trot
Join in the festive fun and participate in Iowa’s largest Thanksgiving Day tradition by attending the Des Moines Turkey Trot. More like a tour of Des Moines, the course features the Historic East Village, views from above the Des Moines River and the most iconic panorama of Downtown Des Moines. Plus, you also can’t miss out on a complimentary knit hat and shopping bag, plenty of turkey day photo opportunities, and even pie and egg nog contests.
Fee: $50.
Details: 5K and 5-mile run/walk, 9 a.m. start; tot trot, 10:15 a.m. start.
For more information: www.desmoinesturkeytrot.com.
Nov. 23: Cedar Rapids Turkey Trot
Cedar Rapids
Race to Cedar Rapids for the ninth-annual Cedar Rapids Turkey Trot. Beginning at 7 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, guests can pick up their packets and get some stretching in before the big 5K at 8:30 a.m. You can also run for a cause because this Iowa turkey trot also gives back to the community by supporting Best Buddies, the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of those with disabilities. Not to mention, your efforts will be rewarded with locally made Donutland doughnuts to savor at the finish line.
Fee: $42.99 (discounted price through Nov. 15).
Details: 5K run/walk, 8:30 a.m. start; kids dash, 8:15 a.m. start.
For more information: iowaruns.com.
Nov. 23: Mount Pleasant Turkey Trot
Mount Pleasant
Prepare to run now and gobble later thanks to the Mount Pleasant Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. The tradition of this festive race continues to let friends and family get active before the feast of all feasts. Part of the proceeds for this run will go to membership scholarships and programs for the Rec Center.
Fee: $20.
Details: 5K run/walk, 9 a.m. start.
For more information: www.mpreccenter.com.
Nov. 23: Friends of Aaron Michael Turkey Trot
Des Moines
Get ready for the best leg day ever, and even though it’s Thanksgiving, this Iowa turkey trot won’t just have you dashing for drumsticks. At the annual Friends of Aaron Michael Turkey Trot, starting at Raccoon River Park, guests can challenge themselves to a 5K run/walk to get into the spirit of some family-friendly celebration. What makes this race extra special is that it serves as a remembrance for Aaron Michael and continues to support the SHINE program at IA Methodist, which helps families facing the death of an infant.
Fee: $30.
Details: 5K run/walk, 9 a.m. start.
For more information: www.friendsofaaronmichael.com.