Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra

Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra

Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra held at Willenborg Woods, located at 17737 E County Road 380N in Charleston, IL. The property includes 149 acres of maintained trails that combine riverside sections, ridge-top terrain, single-track, and groomed grass trails.

The event uses a repeating loop of approximately 4.167 miles. Runners complete the loop each hour; participants who fail to finish the loop within the hour are removed from the running field. The last runner remaining on the course is awarded a Bronze Ticket, which is linked to entry for a larger backyard ultra championship.

Daytime routing emphasizes single-track and groomed grass surfaces. Night routing follows grass trails and country roads, and reflective gear is required for nighttime running. The course also features a named corridor referred to as the Tunnel of Trees, a wooded section noted for its continuous canopy.

Support is limited to one crew or support person per runner. Organizers state that trails on the property are built and maintained by the land stewards with an emphasis on providing an inclusive outdoor experience where community and family are part of the event environment. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.