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.