Hawkeye Turkey Trot 2026

The Hawkeye Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day 5K held at City Park in Iowa City. The race headquarters is located at Shelter #6 on East Park Road. This event is the only Thanksgiving Day 5K in Iowa City. The main race begins at 9:00 a.m. Central Time, allowing participants to complete their run before their holiday meal. Additionally, the event features the Herky Turkey Tot Trot, a brief children's race that takes place after the 5K, between 10:00 and 10:15 a.m. The Tot Trot course circles the Iowa River Corridor Trail, situated near Shelter #6, ensuring the family races remain within City Park. This event is designed for families, novice runners, and local participants seeking a brief holiday race instead of an extended morning run. A portion of the race proceeds benefits the Food Bank of Iowa, and participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for donation on race day.