The Madder Than A Wet Hen 5K returns to Charleston, Illinois on July 25th, welcoming runners for a summer splash through the Embarras River. This quirky event offers participants a unique blend of trail running and river wading along winding forest paths before plunging into ankle-deep waters, all while enjoying an intimate community vibe that keeps attendees coming back year after year. On race morning at 7am sharp, runners will gather near Willenborg Woods on County Road 380N to start their adventure. The atmosphere is typically lively and quirky with a high-energy pre-race buzz as participants gear up for the challenging yet fun course ahead. With temperatures averaging around 24.8 degrees Celsius in July, expect warm weather conditions that will test both your physical endurance and sense of humor. Since its inception, this event has become an annual tradition celebrated by runners eager to tackle a mix of forest trails and shallow river crossings before climbing the infamous Billy Goat Hill near the finish line. The race supports local trail maintenance efforts through participant fees, fostering community engagement in preserving natural spaces within Charleston’s rural surroundings. The Madder Than A Wet Hen 5K features one primary distance: a hilly and humid 5K course that takes runners on winding forest trails before plunging into the shallow waters of Embarras River.
5K 5K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $45.00
For registration, interested participants must sign up early at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=131436 to secure one of the limited 125 spots available for this unique event. Registration costs $45 per runner and closes when all slots are filled or by July 1st. On-site, runners can pick up their race bibs at Willenborg Woods on Friday evening from 4pm to 7pm or Saturday morning starting from 6am until the start time of 7am. Participants should bring a valid photo ID and be ready for hot weather conditions, with ample hydration and sun protection being essential. The Madder Than A Wet Hen 5K kicks off at Willenborg Woods on County Road 380N in Charleston, IL. The race is open to runners aged eight years and above who are comfortable with the course’s challenging terrain and river crossing requirements. Madder Than A Wet Hen 5K returns to Charleston, Illinois on July 25th as a community-driven event that highlights both local trails and unique summer fun along Embarras River. This race is worth attending for those looking to experience an unconventional blend of trail running and water wading in the heart of rural Illinois.
Races Offered
5K
Jul 25, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:00
sell
$45.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for July in Charleston.
thermostatTemperature
20.2° / 29.5°
wb_sunnyFeels like
21.4° / 31.3°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
12h 13m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
3.8 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
9.6 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
High
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
Very High (8.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
75.4%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:39
nightlight
Sunset
20:16
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.
