Sacred Heart School

ELSA CHICKEN PLUCKER BACKYARD ULTRA

Where Trail Birds Flock Together, Hour After HourBRONZE TICKET EVENT - Spread your wings at Willenborg Woods and earn your chance to soar toward Big Dog's Backyard Ultra World Championship!Welcome to our nest at Willenborg Woods, where 149 acres of lovingly maintained trails await your footsteps. Our roosting spot offers everything from riverside views to ridge-top challenges, all crafted with care by Becca Willenborg and her flock of trail enthusiasts.

The Challenge:

Every hour, the rooster crows, and you'll tackle our beautiful 4.167-mile loop. Last bird standing claims the Bronze Ticket! This isn't just an endurance event - it's a gathering of the trail running flock where determination meets community.

The Course:

DAY LOOP: Migrate through pristine single-track and groomed grass trailsNIGHT LOOP: Spread your nocturnal wings over grass trails and country roadsTHE TUNNEL OF TREES: Nature's cathedral - your sanctuary between flights

The Nest Rules:

Complete your migration each hourOne support bird (crew) in your cornerNight plumage required (reflection gear)Miss the hourly migration, and you'll need to roost

About Willenborg Woods:

At Willenborg Woods, our mission goes beyond just hosting races. We're dedicated to providing a relaxed and fun environment where everyone can experience the joy of being in the woods. We build and maintain all trails on our property with love and care, creating an inclusive space where nature and community come together.Our races embody our core beliefs:Trail running should be challenging but funEveryone deserves to experience the magic of the woodsCommunity matters as much as competitionFamily (including spectators) is an essential part of the trail partyCome shake your tail feathers with us and discover why our trails are becoming the nest for some of the most exciting trail running adventures in the region!

Ready to join the flock? Your ultra journey begins here!

Whether you're chasing that Bronze Ticket to Big's or testing your wings in the ultra world, come join our trail running family. There's magic in these woods, where personal achievements soar alongside lasting friendships.

Event's current local time: 3:51 AM CT

SHAKE YOUR TRAIL FEATHERS Where Natural Beauty Meets Trail Running AdventureReady to ruffle some feathers on the trails? Join us October 16th and 17th at Willenborg Woods for a trail running celebration that'll get your heart soaring! Whether you're spreading your wings with the 5K, taking flight in the 8 miler, conquering the 16 miler, or going full eagle with the 50K ultra or the 100K ultra – we've got your perfect challenge nested right here.Our lovingly crafted trails will take you on an adventure through pristine timber, along grassy riverside paths, across babbling creeks, and up invigorating hills that'll test your wings. Every twist and turn of our single-track trails reveals another slice of natural beauty, making each mile an experience to remember. Race Times: FRIDAY 5K 6:00 PM 100K 6:00 PM (24 hour cutoff)SATURDAY 8:00 AM: 50K & 16 Miler 9:00 AM: 8 miler What Makes This Race Special? A true trail runner's course with technical challenges that will keep you honestIntimate race

atmosphere with a grass-roots feelFull course marking and support from our dedicated trail communityPost-race celebration where every finisher is celebrated like family About the RD Hosted by trail enthusiast Becca Willenborg, this isn't just another race – it's a trail running party where every bird in your flock is welcome! From competitive speedsters to casual nature lovers, we've created an event that combines the serious challenge of trail running with the laid-back vibe of a community gathering. About Willenborg Woods: At Willenborg Woods, our mission goes beyond just hosting races. We're dedicated to providing a relaxed and fun environment where everyone can experience the joy of being in the woods. We build and maintain all trails on our property with love and care, creating an inclusive space where nature and community come together.Our races embody our core beliefs:Trail running should be challenging but funEveryone deserves to experience the magic of the woodsCommunity matters as

much as competitionFamily (including spectators) is an essential part of the trail partyCome shake your tail feathers with us and discover why our trails are becoming the nest for some of the most exciting trail running adventures in the region! Please note: Though we love animals, pets of any kind are not allowed at the event. Event's current local time: 3:48 AM CT

Step into Halloween weekend with a Friday‑night run through historic Vandalia as the Spirits Run Illinois Adventure Series brings its Halloween Eve 5K to The Copper Penny. This twilight event blends small‑town charm, spooky season energy, and the warm glow of one of Vandalia’s favorite local spots.

Runners and walkers will start and finish at The Copper Penny, heading out on a clean, safe 5K route that winds through the heart of Vandalia. Expect crisp fall air, porch lights flickering on, and just enough Halloween atmosphere to set the tone for the weekend.

Every registration includes:

A county‑specific finisher medal designed for Fayette County

A Spirits Run shirt featuring this event’s Halloween Eve theme

A runner cup for your post‑race celebration

Your Fayette County stamp for the Illinois Adventure Series

Entry into the Copper Penny post‑run gathering

Costumes are encouraged but not required—whether you show up as a ghost, a ghoul, or just yourself, you’ll be part of a festive night run that kicks off Halloween in true Spirits Run style.

Join us for a fun, spirited evening as we celebrate Fayette County, local community, and the magic of Halloween Eve at The Copper Penny.