Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra

About the Event

The Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra takes place on Saturday, 30 May 2026 at 9:00 AM at Willenborg Woods, 17737 E County Road 380N, Charleston, Illinois. This Bronze Ticket event offers runners the chance to earn their spot toward Big Dog's Backyard Ultra World Championship on a beautiful 4.167-mile loop through 149 acres of lovingly maintained trails. Registration closes on Saturday, 30 May 2026 at 11:59 PM CT.

Event Detail	Information	Notes
Format	Backyard Ultra	Last bird standing
Loop Distance	4.167 miles	Bronze Ticket qualifier
Start Time	9:00 AM	Rooster crows every hour
Location	Willenborg Woods, Charleston, IL	149 acres of maintained trails
Day Loop Surface	Pristine single-track + groomed grass trails
Night Loop Surface	Grass trails + country roads	Reflective gear required
Crew	One support bird allowed	In your corner

Every hour, the rooster crows, and runners tackle the beautiful 4.167-mile loop. Last bird standing claims the Bronze Ticket. This is not just an endurance event—it is a gathering of the trail running flock where determination meets community. The course features the Tunnel of Trees, described as nature's cathedral and your sanctuary between flights.

Complete your migration each hour. One support bird (crew) is allowed in your corner. Night plumage (reflective gear) is required for nocturnal wings over grass trails and country roads. Miss the hourly migration, and you will need to roost.

At Willenborg Woods, the mission goes beyond hosting races. The property offers a relaxed and fun environment where everyone can experience the joy of being in the woods. All trails are built and maintained with love and care, creating an inclusive space where nature and community come together. The event embodies core beliefs: trail running should be challenging but fun, everyone deserves to experience the magic of the woods, community matters as much as competition, and family (including spectators) is an essential part of the trail party.

Willenborg Woods is curated by Becca Willenborg and her flock of trail enthusiasts, offering everything from riverside views to ridge-top challenges. Whether you are chasing that Bronze Ticket to Big Dog's Backyard Ultra World Championship or testing your wings in the ultra world, there is magic in these woods where personal achievements soar alongside lasting friendships.

The Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra is linked with Willenborg Woods. Results from 2023, 2024, and 2025 are available. Come shake your tail feathers and discover why these trails are becoming the nest for some of the most exciting trail running adventures in the region. Your ultra journey begins here—join the flock.

Races Offered

Backyard Ultra ( 6.7 km loop )

May 30, 2026

straighten

Distance — 6.7K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

$120.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Charleston.

thermostat Temperature

13.0° / 23.7°

wb_sunny Feels like

10.8° / 22.1°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

11h 1m

water_drop Avg rainfall

2.5 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

12.3 km/h (Gentle breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Moderate

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

High (6.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

66.7%

wb_twilight Sunrise

05:37

nightlight Sunset

19:59

About Charleston

Learn more about the host city, Charleston.

Charleston is a city in and the county seat of Coles County, Illinois, United States. The population was 17,286, as of the 2020 census. The city is home to Eastern Illinois University and has close ties with its neighbor, Mattoon. Both are principal cities of the Charleston–Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area.