Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra
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Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra, Wadena, MN
This event is the second year of the Wadena Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra, hosted by Agony of DeFeet Wadena Run Club at Blacks Grove Park. The course is a technical Minnesota woods trail with singletrack, roots, rocks, and rolling hills.
There are two ways to participate:
- Backyard Ultra: repeated 4.167-mile loops until one runner remains
- One loop: 4.167 miles
The Backyard Ultra format requires runners to complete each 4.167-mile loop within one hour; any remaining time between a loop finish and the next loop start is rest. Missing a loop start, finishing late, receiving pacing or on-course assistance, or choosing not to continue results in a DNF. Each division is capped at 60 participants, with a waitlist available if full.
Signature event rules include a direction change every five loops, a nighttime silence period (10 PM to 5 AM) when music and noise makers are not allowed, and a One Comfort Policy where each runner selects one item from each comfort category for the whole race. Eliminated runners are signaled with a gong and receive a personalized DNF chip.
Mandatory gear includes a phone carried at all times, a headlamp after dark, reflective gear, hydration, weather-appropriate layers, and personal nutrition. Designated primitive camping areas are available; no electrical outlets. Crew support is allowed only in the start/finish yard; on-course assistance and pacers are prohibited. Prizes include a personalized belt buckle and $500 for the Backyard Ultra winner, plus swag for all runners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
