Thanksgiving and Turkey Trotting go hand-in-hand these days.
I mean, what’s not to love? It’s a great chance to kickstart the Thanksgiving festivities. Trotting before the big meal (even if you’re not a runner) is a great way rev up the metabolism. There’s also the lure of camaraderie with fellow fitness-minded peeps. Not only are Turkey Trots are very family-friendly, most support local charities.
Besides, what else are you gonna do once you get the bird situated in the oven?
It was back in 2011 when a friend and myself first organized a local Trot (in my former town). That yearly tradition has held up well. Last year, my friend and I surrendered the reigns to others, but I hear the event is still going strong.
Last year also was my first year running the Des Moines Turkey Trot, and I can honestly say this “new” Thanksgiving Day routine is here to stay.
With a 9:00 start time, and only a 20-minute drive to get downtown, I was able to sleep-in a tiny bit and take my time. I had set-out my race day outfit the evening prior, so that detail was already done.
The temps were looking chilly, and slightly windy (big surprise, LOL). The sky was also looking clear and very sunny. A bonus? There wasn’t any precip in the forecast, so we were looking at dry conditions as well.
I arrived in downtown Des Moines around 8:25, giving me ample time to secure parking (I have a monthly pass to a nearby parking garage, courtesy of my job). There were numerous trotters clustered in my office building’s interior plaza, myself included. And, I’d wager a guess that more than 90% of them were wearing the 2025 Trot stocking hat (myself also included).
Lining up was a major crowded mess. Seriously, there were so many people! Although it was cold, we were somewhat sheltered from the wind.
After a stunning acoustic rendition of the National Anthem, the first wave was released onto Court Street, headed east towards the Capitol.
The first few blocks on the route had us in the shade of buildings, but once we cleared the major town area, the full sun was on my face and it felt great. The tight cluster(s) of runners and walkers, though, was frustrating.
While I applaud each and every one out there, I cannot deny my impatience with the plentiful walkers (most of whom were walking in groups). Even though there are no finish line prizes, other than bragging rights, most runners do not enjoy dodging and playing Zig-Zag right out of the gate.
Did I mention this first mile is mostly on an incline? Thankfully, the little wind we had was at our backs. It wasn’t until a few blocks past the 1-mile mark that the crowd of runners (and walkers) started to spread out a bit.
Shortly after the 1-mile mark, the race course looped around the Iowa Capitol, bringing us back around on East Grand. There was a short jaunt on Finkbine Lane (going south), then the route turned right (going west, back towards downtown) on Locust.
A short ways farther was the 2-mile mark. Thus far, I was feeling good! I wasn’t running “fast,” but I felt like my pace was keeping steady and strong. I’d glanced at my Garmin, as it beeped at the first and second mile marks, and saw I was “negative-splitting,” which is always a nice surprise.
It was around the 2-1/2 mile mark that the 5K peeps split-off from us 5-miler’s. As the 5K runners headed back downtown, the 5-mile course took us on an out-and-back segment, towards the Des Moines Botanical Center, via the John Pat Dorrian Trail.
Running out-and-back routes always mess with my mind a bit. It seems like it takes forever (or thereabouts) to get to the turn-around. Then, ironically, the return trip feels much faster. This particular segment, after the turn-around, is also part of the DAM-to-DSM Half Marathon route. D2D is a race I’ve run every year since 2008, and the Principal Tower is kind of beacon that is visible throughout the entire race. It was only appropriate to snap a quick pic of it, LOL.
The final stretch, after the turn-around, went alright. After making it back to where the two routes had split, both were reunited. By this time, the majority of the 5K runners had finished, leaving many of the 5K walkers to share the course with the 5-milers for the final 1/2-mile jaunt to their respective finish lines. As can be expected, there were more clusters of walkers to (again) zig-zag through. Thankfully, by then, we were back on city streets, so there was ample room for everyone. Side note: With the 3,692 5K participants, there was a combined total of 4,339 participants trotting!
It wasn’t until the last stretch to the finish line that I realized I had not felt cold the entire race. I’d even taken off my gloves for the last two miles, LOL (who am I???). We did had some headwind, though, in that final stretch, but it actually wasn’t a big deal (again, who am I???).
Although it was a bit anti-climactic, crossing the finish line did feel good. I’d felt strong and had run steady with no struggles. I couldn’t have asked for more!
How did I do? Well, overall, I am happy with my efforts and quite content with my finish time. Full disclosure: I did pause my Garmin for the pics of the Capitol the Principal Tower (hence, there’s almost a 2-minute discrepancy with my Garmin time and official finish time).
The swag is top-notch for this event! Instead of a shirt, participants receive a stocking hat (which I think is unique and practical, especially given the time of year). Also, instead of a medal, we’re given ornaments (which basically is like a medal without the ribbon). And, finally, worth noting is the multi-use tote bag, which has already found its home in my car (along with the bag from last yea
Speaking of the hats, I think they’re so cute! In addition to this year’s and last year’s hats, I have one from 2020, when I ran the race virtually (#Covid). Also, I volunteered at packet pick-up last year, so they gave me a hat (from a previous year’s Trot) as a thank-you gift.
So, that’s what went down at the 2025 Des Moines Turkey Trot. I thought it was a lot of fun, despite the crowds and initially cold weather. I look forward to returning next year, and in the year as to come.
Did you run a Turkey Trot this year? Have you in the past? What do you think of the hat for swag, instead of a traditional shirt?
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