Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra Presented by Agony of DeFeet Wadena Run Club

Event Details

Welcome to the first-ever Wadena Backyard Ultra — a Last Runner Standing showdown hosted by Agony of DeFeet Wadena Run Club at the rugged, root-tangled trails of Blacks Grove Park in Wadena, Minnesota. This isn’t just a race… it’s a battle of willpower, grit, stubbornness, and heart.

THE FORMAT

The backyard ultra format is simple — but far from easy:

• 4.167-mile loop
• Start every hour on the hour
• Be back in time or you’re out
• No pacing, no outside help on course
• Last runner remaining who completes a solo loop WINS
• Everyone else? A proud DNF and a heck of a story. We’ll run until only one runner is left standing.

THE COURSE

Blacks Grove Park features:

• Singletrack trail
• Winding, uneven surfaces
• Rolling hills
• Roots, rocks, and natural obstacles
• A true Minnesota woods vibe

This is a real-deal trail — technical in spots, beautiful throughout, and built to test you both physically and mentally. (Strava map will be added soon!)

TWO WAYS TO JOIN THE FUN

• Backyard Ultra Division (Last Runner Standing)
  Perfect for runners craving the full backyard experience — whether your goal is one loop or one hundred.
• One-Loop Fun Run
  Not ready for the full backyard format? No problem. Run one official loop (4.167 miles), experience the course, and celebrate with the runners.

EVENT DETAILS

• Dates: May 22–24, 2026
• Location: Blacks Grove Park — Wadena, MN
• Start Time: 10:00 AM sharp
• Packet Pickup: 8:00 AM–9:40 AM on race day

Camping areas will be available for runners and crews. No open flames, alcohol, or fireworks. Overnight temperatures may vary — come prepared.

What to Expect

• A supportive, gritty, fun trail community
• A backyard format that pushes your physical and mental limits
• Aid station basics at the start/finish corral
• Crew area for runners
• Only the fire pits provided by the event/park may be used. Personal or portable fire pits are prohibited.
• Use of personal tents and canopy setups encouraged-there are no shelters available.
• High vibes, encouragement, and chaos as the loops roll on

MANDATORY/RECOMMENDED GEAR

• Headlamp required after dark
• Reflective vest or visibility gear
• Personal hydration + nutrition
• Weather-appropriate layers
• Trail shoes highly recommended
• First Aid Kit

AWARDS & FINISHING

ONE winner. The last runner to complete a loop alone earns the title of 2026 Wadena Backyard Ultra Champion. Everyone else receives a DNF — an honorary badge of pride in the backyard world.

RULES AND WAIVER

Full race rules and required waiver will be provided at registration and check-in. All runners must sign the event waiver.

JOIN US

Whether you’re chasing a personal distance record, running your first loop, or aiming to be the last runner standing — this event is built for you. Come run the woods with us. Come find your limit… then take one more loop.