DES MOINES — For the eighth year running, The Des Moines Turkey Trot will welcome runners from across the country for a Thanksgiving morning 5K, 5 Mile and Tot Trot run in the heart of downtown.

Nearly 5,000 runners from 37 states are expected to attend this year’s event which has been named one of the “Top Trot’s in the Country” by Runner’s World Magazine. The annual event kicks off at 8:45 a.m. in the Court Avenue Entertainment district of downtown with a “Pie & Egg Nog Competition” where a handful of runners attempt to be the first to gobble down a quarter of a pumpkin pie and a glass of egg nog, all before completing the run.

The running event starts in waves at 9 a.m. with holiday music ringing off the buildings.

“Very few people show up to our Turkey Trot looking to set a P.R. (Personal Record). This is an event about dressing up, challenging your cousins and ultimately making family memories” said Michael Zimmerman, race director.

In line with this fun-loving attitude, the event has erected a four-story tall turkey on the south side of Martin Luther King Boulevard at 12th Street in downtown Des Moines. The turkey will remain until it is moved to the finish line this Wednesday.

Registration for the event is available online until Wednesday or in-person until 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. All registrants receive a “Des Moines Turkey Trot Knit Cap,” Finisher Mug, Bag and Bib. More information can be found at www.desmoinesturkeytrot.com.