Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra
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Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra : Wadena, MN : May 29, 2027
The Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra event held at Blacks Grove Park in Wadena, Minnesota on May 29, 2027. The event offers two formats: the Backyard Ultra Last Runner Standing format and a One Loop Fun Run that uses a single 4.167-mile loop.
The course runs on technical Minnesota woods trails with singletrack, roots, rocks, and rolling hills. The final route and a Strava map are listed as forthcoming. The event uses a signature ruleset called the Relentless Blacks Grove Grind that includes a direction reversal every five loops, a Silence Rule during nighttime hours, a One Comfort Policy set at check-in, and a gong elimination for runners who miss the hourly start or finish.
Participant limits are 60 runners for the One Loop Fun Run and 60 runners for the Last Man Standing division, with a waitlist available if fields fill. Mandatory gear includes a phone, headlamp after dark, reflective gear, hydration, weather-appropriate layers, and personal nutrition; recommended items include an emergency whistle and basic first aid.
Crew support is restricted to the start/finish yard only; no on-course assistance, no pacers, and no mid-loop handoffs are allowed. Camping is available in designated primitive areas with no electrical outlets; rules prohibit alcohol, fireworks, illegal substances, and open flames except in designated fire pit areas.
Prizes include a personalized belt buckle and a $500 cash prize for the Last Man Standing winner, personalized DNF chips for participants, swag bags for all runners, and an entry to win a Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler for One Loop entrants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
