FAQ
QUICK LINKS
REGISTRATION
Q. What comes with my race entry?
A. Your race entry to our 5K, 5 Mile, Tot Trot, or Virtual run will come with our TROT DSM knit cap, the official finisher ornament at the finish line, official race bib + finish time, access to our GPS tracking app, and a custom made shopper bag to carry it all in.
Q. If I sign for up in person and want to change to virtual later, can I (or vice-versa)?
A. Absolutely. You can change your mind through packet pick-up.
Q. What is the races transfer, deferral, or refund policy?
A. The Des Moines Turkey Trot does not issue refunds, deferrals, or allow athletes to transfer registrations. If the event is unable to happen as scheduled due to local, state, or federal mandates, or must be canceled for any other reason, all athletes will be transferred to our virtual event.
Q. Can a registration be transferred to another name?
A. If your name changes- sure. Otherwise- no, sorry.
FAMILY OF 4
Q. We have a family of 5 or more, do we get a discount?
A. We only have Family Discounts up to 4 people. Please use the largest family discount available and then register other family members separately. Note: if you register to run race week at packet pick-up, family discounts are no longer available.
Q. I am struggling to register a Family of 4. Can you help?
Of course! Ideally, all of your members will need to be in the system/registered before you add them to a group. Follow the steps below :
Click here to get to the Des Moines Turkey Trot registration site.
Click on the Family of 4 Turkey Entry.
3. If you’ve raced with RipRoar Events before you will want to sign into your Run SignUp profile or click your name in the provided profiles. If you are new, fill in the information for yourself.
4. After you input your information, choose the event you are registering for (in this case - Family of 4.) Because the 5K + 5 Mile share much of the course this registration applies to both distances and doesn’t need to be decided until you are running!
5. Next, click ‘+ Add Registrant’ (not continue. From here, enter your second member. Repeat the Step 4 + 5, for members 2-4.
6. Once you have all information input for each member of your flock then you can click ‘Continue’ to form your group.
PACKET PICK UP
Q. Where can I pick up my race packet?
A. Packet pick up will be on the 2nd Floor at Renaissance Savery Des Moines Hotel.
Q. Can I pick up someone else's packet?
A. As long as that person is registered in our database with a signed digital waiver, then absolutely!
Q. Do I need a race waiver in order to participate?
A. Yes, and in fact, you need a signed waiver in order to pick up your packet before running (this includes everyone in your Family of 4.) You can log in to your RunSign Up Profile to sign it electronically (further instructions here) or print a copy to bring with you to packet pick up.
Q. If I wasn’t able to attend in person, can I still get my swag?
A. Yes! We will have a post race packet pick up following the event.
2024 POST RACE PACKET PICK UP
Fitness Sports - Location TBD
Monday - Friday | 10AM - 6PM · Saturday | 10AM - 5PM · Sunday | 1PM - 5PM
Q. I wasn’t able to attend in person and do not live in the Des Moines metro, can I still get my swag shipped?
A. Yes! Please contact Sarah with a current shipping address so she can send you your festive swag ASAP.
THE TROT
Q. Is this the downtown race Thanksgiving run?
A. Yep! We're the only Thanksgiving morning race in beautiful downtown Des Moines.
Q. How far is a 5K?
A. 3.1 miles or about 6,250 steps.
Q. I've never run in a 5K before, will I be out of place?
A. Of course not! There are plenty of other races to test your speed and fitness. This is an event that welcomes runners of all abilities and ages.
Q. Can I walk the Des Moines Turkey Trot?
A. Absolutely! This event welcomes all abilities, ages, and styles of movement. Walk, trot, jog, or run!
Q. Is this race timed?
A. We do offer an official finish time that is included in the race fee. You can also choose to forego an official finisher time, we will donate a dollar to one of our partner charities. More information to come at packet pick-up!
Q. Where do I wear my timing chip?
A. Your timing chip will be on the back of your bib. You might not even know it’s there. Also, chips are not edible.
Q. Will there be any aid stations on the course?
A. Yes, there will be 1 on the 5K course and 2 on the 5 Mile course.
Q. Are costumes welcome?
A. Absolutely! Feel free to let out your inner turkey!
Q. Can I run with my 4 legged friend?
A. We were unable to get insurance to cover animals on course and therefore cannot allow dogs, turkeys, or any other animals to run with you. Sorry!
Q. Can I run with a stroller/headphones/dog on a leash/bad attitude/?
A. Yes (See question below)/Yes/No/NO!
Q. If running with a stroller, does my child need to be registered?
Yes! Any participant that is on the race course must be registered and have a signed race waiver. Please register your child for the Tot Trot. The child does not have to participate in the Tot Trot once registered but why not?! A Des Moines knit hat, medal and an untimed bib is included with their registration.
See Tot Trot details below for more information.
Q. Is there an age limit on how young or old a competitor can be?
A. No. But, please check with your doctor first.
Q. Are you wanting to track your run or trotting with us virtually? Here’s how to use the RaceJoy app to track your run.
A. First, download the RaceJoy app.
TOT TROT
Q. What are the ages allowed for the Tot Trot?
A. We recommend this race for any child 8 years and younger.
Q. What is the Tot Trot distance? Can I run with them?
A. 200 meters. Yes! A parent, guardian or sibling is able to assist the little turkeys from start to finish without being registered themselves. There is no age minimum.
Q. Is there swag included with Tot Trot registration?
A. Of course! Swag is our middle name. Included with registration is the Des Moines knit cap, official 1 Cute Turkey (untimed) race bib, and the one-and-only medal of the day.
Q. When and where does the Tot Trot take place?
A. The start will AND finish of the Tot Trot will be on 3rd Street infront of the Civic Center. The Tot Trot will start at it’s own arch and finish under the 5K / 5 Mile finish line structure.
HOST HOTEL
Q. Is there a host hotel for the Des Moines Turkey Trot?
A. Yes! We have teamed up with the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel to bring you the best rate in town. (It’s also right across the street from packet pick-up!) Room blocks are now available! Book your group rate for Des Moines Turkey Trot! Rooms are available for Wednesday, November 27th - Friday, November 29th.
Book your stay before November 12th.
VOLUNTEER
Q. Are there volunteer opportunities available? A. Yes! Various shifts at Packet Pick-Up and race morning. Check them out here.
PARKING
Q. Is there parking available for packet pick up and race day?
A. Yes! There are multiple parking ramps in Downtown Des Moines that are near the Start, Finish, and post party of the race. See Parking Map Here.
QUESTION NOT ANSWERED? EMAIL US!
No problem- write us! Info@riproarevents.com