Coming Spring 2026…Are.You.Ready?

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMWrJCH9/

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.

REMEMBER..

REMEMBER… WILL YOU STAY ON THE COURSE?
Give yourself a reason to wake up. Give yourself a reason to show up—no matter how impossible your situation may feel. Stay on course.
I guarantee you one thing: you cannot beat it if you quit.
Quit, and you fail—period.
But if you keep going? You have no idea what you’re capable of or what breakthrough is waiting for you.
STAY ON COURSE. This is what you do. You were built for this.
But you have to believe your day is coming—that every sacrifice you make today will pay off.
If you don’t believe it, it won’t happen.
If you do… everything changes.

Event's current local time: 9:19 PM CT