Eastern Iowa Run Helps Burn Off Thanksgiving Dinner Before Eating

Before you stuff your face on Thanksgiving, get a little run in at an annual Turkey Trot race in eastern Iowa. This run isn't only fun for the entire family and a great way to make yourself feel better before devouring a bunch of food, but it benefits children, teens, families, and seniors in our community.

The YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley is coming up on Thanksgiving Day. Registration is open and the weather looks like it's going to be pretty decent for a run.

2023 Turkey Trot In Eastern Iowa

Get those running shoes out and some warm clothes for the 2023 YMCA Turkey Trot in Davenport, Iowa. Just like past runs, this year's Turkey Trot will take place on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023. Also known as Yours Truly's and Miley Cyrus's birthdays.

Referred to as the best Thanksgiving Day tradition in the Quad Cities, the YMCA Turkey Trot is still taking registrations for all four runs.

Those four runs and the start times for each run include:

• 8:00 AM – Kids Race (ages 2-10)
• 8:30 AM – Iowa American Water 1 Mile Family Fun Run
• 9:00 AM – Rhythm City Casino Resort 5K Run/Walk
• 9:00 AM – UnityPoint Health – Trinity 5-Mile Run/Walk

See, plenty of fun for the entire family. And it's a great way to burn a good chunk of those calories before your Thanksgiving feast.

Turkey Trot Race Courses

The start and finish line for all four races is pretty simple. Everything begins and ends at the Bittner YMCA (630 E 4th St.) in downtown Davenport.

Where the race courses go is a different story. Below is the map of each race so you know where to stand and support your racers, or avoid if you plan on being in downtown Davenport Thanksgiving morning.

If you're on the fence about signing up, the YMCA and I want to remind you that the sponsors of this event make it possible for each runner and walker registration to go directly to the children and teens, families, and seniors who need the YMCA the most.

To register for one of the races at the 2023 YMCA Turkey Trot, click here.