Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra
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Event Overview
The Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra is a "Last Runner Standing" event hosted by Agony of DeFeet Wadena Run Club. It takes place at Blacks Grove Park in Wadena, Minnesota.
Course Details
The event is held on a technical woods trail described as singletrack with roots, rocks, and rolling hills. The specific route is weather-dependent.
The race has a unique "Relentless Blacks Grove Grind" format with special rules:
- The Grind Reversal: The loop direction reverses every five loops.
- Silence Rule: From 10 PM to 5 AM, music and noise makers are prohibited.
- One Comfort Policy: Each runner selects one item from specific comfort categories (like a chair or blanket) at check-in and cannot swap later.
- The Last Gong: Eliminated runners are signaled with a gong and receive a personalized DNF chip.
Event Format and Distances
Participants can choose between two formats:
- Backyard Ultra (Last Runner Standing): Runners must complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour. The last runner to complete a solo loop wins. The field is capped at 40 runners.
- One-Loop Fun Run: Participants run one official 4.167-mile loop. This field is capped at 80 runners.
Rules and Requirements
The Backyard Ultra follows strict rules:
- Each loop starts precisely on the hour.
- Runners must finish the loop within the hour to continue.
- No pacing or on-course assistance from crew is allowed.
- Crew support is only permitted in the start/finish corral.
- Trekking poles are not allowed.
All runners must carry mandatory gear, including a phone, headlamp (after dark), reflective gear, hydration, and weather-appropriate layers.
Camping is available in designated areas, but the park is primitive with no electrical outlets. Open flames are not allowed except in designated fire pit areas.
Awards and Swag
The winner of the Last Runner Standing receives a personalized belt buckle and a $500 cash prize. All participants in the Last Runner Standing receive a personalized, engraved DNF chip. One Loop Fun Run participants are entered to win a Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler. All runners receive a swag bag with sponsor items. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
