Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra
Charleston, United States • 30 May 2026
Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra : Willenborg Woods, Charleston IL
The Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra held at Willenborg Woods near Charleston, Illinois. The property offers 149 acres of maintained trails that include riverside sections and ridge-top terrain.
The event uses a repeating loop format. Each hour participants run a 4.167-mile loop. The day route follows single-track and groomed grass trails. The night route uses grass trails and country roads. A feature called the Tunnel of Trees provides a sheltered, wooded passage on the course.
Race rules specify that runners must complete the loop each hour and that one support crew member per runner is allowed. Reflective gear is required for night running. The last person remaining on the course earns a Bronze Ticket to Big Dog's Backyard Ultra World Championship.
Willenborg Woods states that it builds and maintains the trails on the property and hosts events with an emphasis on trail access and community involvement. Registration for this event closes May 30. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.