149 Acres of Nature’s Beauty

Where Natural Beauty Meets Trail Running Adventure

Ready to ruffle some feathers on the trails? Join us October 25th 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 – 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.

• 8:00 AM: 16 Miler & 50K (10-hour cutoff)
• 10:00 AM: 5K & 8 Miler

• A true trail runner's course with technical challenges that will keep you honest
• Intimate race atmosphere with a grass-roots feel
• Full course marking and support from our dedicated trail community
• Post-race celebration where every finisher is celebrated like family

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.

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 fun
• Everyone deserves to experience the magic of the woods
• Community matters as much as competition
• Family (including spectators) is an essential part of the trail party

 Wet Hen 5K is your chance to run the river and roast in the summer sun — a wild mid-year counterpart to February’s frigid Frozen Cock’s Crow 5K. Same gnarly course, but this time you’ll swap frostbite for sunburn as you take on heat, hills, and the Embarras River itself.

The 5K course is a summertime version of the back half of the Frozen Cock’s Crow course — only this time, it’s all about frying instead of freezing. Expect approximately 1,100 feet of elevation gain packed into this short and spicy race.

You’ll kick things off on winding forest trails before hitting the most talked-about stretch: a one-third mile slog straight down the middle of the Embarras River. In July, the river runs shallow — ankle to knee deep — exposing sandy bars and rocky riffles. You’ll be wet, wild, and grinning (or cussing) as you splash your way downstream.

But don’t think it gets any easier after the river. The infamous Billy Goat Hill awaits near the finish line — a steep, punchy climb that will test your legs and your grit. Cross the line knowing you’ve earned every pancake and scoop of ice cream waiting for you.

Community vibe? Off the charts. With a field limited to 125 participants, the Madder than a Wet Hen 5K keeps it intimate, quirky, and full of trail-running camaraderie. Runners return year after year for the river running, rowdy fun, and the epic post-race party featuring pancakes, ice cream, and plenty of war stories.

Expect high fives, friendly faces, and an atmosphere that’s more summer camp than serious race.

Practical Details
Registration is limited — only 125 spots available — and this race typically fills up fast thanks to its unique river course and legendary afterparty.

Sign up early to guarantee your spot and bring shoes you don’t mind getting soaked and sandy.

Lodging is available nearby in Charleston, IL, and the race start is easily accessible by car. Plan for hot weather — hydration and sun protection are key.

  Where Winter Woods Meet Wild Adventure

Welcome to a frosty morning adventure at Willenborg Woods, where our Head Rooster in Charge, Big Boy, signals the dawn of your next trail running challenge. The Frozen Cock's Crow 5K isn't just a race—it's a celebration of winter trail running where community meets adventure in the heart of our beloved woods.

Secure your spot by January 31st – this is one winter party you won't want to miss.

Your 3.1-mile journey features a series of legendary trails that have earned their colorful names. You'll be challenged by the notorious "Stairway to Heaven"—a 121-foot ascent over just 0.19 miles at an 11.9% grade that will have you questioning your life choices (in the best possible way). Just when you've caught your breath, "Wagon's East" presents its 11.2% grade challenge, the grueling "Embrace the Suck" with a 14.5% grade, a brief dip around "The Rock" in the Embarras River followed by the infamous "Billy Goat Gruff" with its leg-testing 12.4% grade.

With over 1110 feet of total elevation gain across multiple peaks and valleys, this course demands respect—and rewards determination with stunning winter woodland views and the satisfaction of conquering some seriously challenging terrain.

Stream crossing! Check out what might await you!

 Where Trail Birds Flock Together, Hour After Hour

BRONZE 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.

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.

• DAY LOOP: Migrate through pristine single-track and groomed grass trails
• NIGHT LOOP: Spread your nocturnal wings over grass trails and country roads

• Complete your migration each hour
• One support bird (crew) in your corner
• Night plumage required (reflection gear)
• Miss the hourly migration, and you'll need to roost

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 fun
• Everyone deserves to experience the magic of the woods
• Community matters as much as competition
• Family (including spectators) is an essential part of the trail party

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.