Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra

Charleston, United States • 30 May 2026

Event overview

Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra is a Backyard Ultra held on May 30, 2026 at Willenborg Woods, 17737 E County Road 380N, Charleston, Illinois. It is a Bronze Ticket event that awards a Bronze Ticket to the winner toward the Big Dog's Backyard Ultra World Championship. The property includes 149 acres of trails maintained by the event organizers.

Course and rules

Runners complete a repeating loop of 4.167 miles each hour until one runner remains. The course uses a mix of surfaces and named features:

  • Day loop: single-track and groomed grass trails
  • Night loop: grass trails and country roads
  • The Tunnel of Trees: a notable wooded section on the course

Basic event rules include completing the loop each hour and being eliminated if a loop is missed. Each runner may have one support crew. Reflection or visibility gear is required for running at night. Registration for the event closes on the event date at 11:59 PM CT. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

4 mi
4.167-Mile Loop
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Run the Frozen Cock's Crow 5K in Willenborg Woods on Feb 14, 2026, a rugged winter trail with steep climbs, a stream crossing and scenic singletrack. Join the trail community afterward for food, fun and warmth.

Take on Madder Than A Wet Hen, a rugged 5K trail race at Willenborg Woods in Charleston on July 25, 2026, with river crossings, steep climbs and roughly 1,100 feet of gain. Field limited to 125, with post race pancakes and ice cream.

Shake Your Trail Feather runs October 16 and 17, 2026 at Willenborg Woods in Charleston, IL, with distances from 100K to 5K on winding single track, creek crossings and riverside paths. Friendly trail support and a post race celebration awa..