Agony of DeFeet Wadena Running Club

09/03/2026

!!! HERE WE GO AGAIN !!!

You asked for Year 2… or maybe we just decided you all needed to suffer with us again. 😈

BLACKS GROVE BACKYARD ULTRA — presented by Agony of DeFeet Wadena Run Club—YEAR 2!!

🔥 REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 14TH!🔥

May 29, 2027 until there is one left running!
📍 Blacks Grove Park | Wadena, MN

The gong is coming back.
The loops are coming back.
The questionable life choices are DEFINITELY coming back. 😂

4.167 miles.
Every hour.
On the hour.
Again… and again… and again…

!!! Until only ONE runner remains !!!

So grab your crew, start training, and get ready to find out just how many times you can convince yourself…
👉 “I’ve got one more loop.”

WHO’S COMING BACK FOR YEAR 2?!
!! Comment Below !!

08/22/2026

August 31st registration begins—sign up! Get the blood pumping—will you survive? 🧟🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️

OK, yeah ... I’m still here. But I couldn’t head out the door without sharing just ONE more thing!

Get ready for the Wadena Area Chamber’s 10th Annual Zombie “Almost 5K” Fun Run at Blacks Grove Park!

Here’s your first sneak peek at this year’s T-shirt design ... complete with our current sponsors incorporated into the graveyard! And don’t worry ... there’s still room for a few more headstones. If your business would like to help bring this fun, family-friendly event to life, sponsorship opportunities are still available!

Will YOU survive Blacks Grove Park?

Saturday, October 3
Registration begins Monday, August 31.

Whether you want to run, walk, volunteer or become a sponsor ... stay tuned! Complete registration and sponsorship information is coming when I return. OH! And of course ... we're recruiting zombies (the star of the show) and a few make-up artists to bring the zombies to life (so to speak).

And NOW I’m heading out the door until August 31 ... probably.

06/28/2026

Oh hey...thanks for the reminder, Why Run Today! 😄

Today's the day!

Check out Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra through the eyes of Jaci Wilson—the video is now live on YouTube! Be sure to give it a watch and show them some love.
Link 👉 https://youtu.be/A70Dwb7AM-c?is=UBEr6m0USOi3EFjn

06/28/2026

Congratulations, Wayne, on such a well-deserved honor! This recognition couldn't have gone to a better person. Your passion for serving others, supporting rural communities, and helping independent businesses succeed is inspiring.

Thank you, too, for being part of our Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra—not only as a runner, but as a generous sponsor who helped keep our aid station stocked with amazing goodies for our runners. Your kindness and willingness to give back never go unnoticed.

Congratulations again on receiving the David R. Konshok Professional Leadership Award. Thank you for everything you do for so many people. Well deserved! 👏
A Clean Plate Local and Organic Grocery

06/27/2026

Remember to follow Why Run Today for more incredible sneak peeks like this—and stay tuned for the full video dropping June 28! 🎥🏃

06/27/2026

We’re excited to share that Why Run Today followed one of the incredible runners from our Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra-Jaci Wilson, who earned "The Assist" as our runner-up after an unforgettable race.

They captured Jaci's journey and experience throughout the event, and we can't wait to see the finished product!

🎥 The full video premieres on June 28th!

Be sure to follow Why Run Today and stay tuned—you won't want to miss this inspiring story.

06/21/2026

📸 A Huge Thank You to LR Photography! 📸

We want to give a special shout-out to Lily from LR-Photography for the incredible photos from the Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra!

Lily generously volunteered her time and spent the entire day with us—through the cold, rain, mud, and everything in between—capturing the amazing people and unforgettable moments that made this event so special. She wasn't just taking photos; she was out there cheering on runners and supporting everyone along the way.

Lily, thank you for enduring the less-than-ideal weather with us, for encouraging our runners, and for beautifully documenting the day. We are so grateful for your time, talent, and generosity! ❤️

📷 Please find the photo link in the comments below! Don't forget to tag LR Photography, give her page some love, and show your appreciation for her amazing work. If you see a photo you love, share it and be sure to credit Lily!

Thank you to everyone who came out and made the Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra such an incredible event. We hope these photos bring back all the memories of the miles, mud, laughter, and determination that made the day unforgettable.

Drop your photo in the comments and help us show Lily some love!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️📸❤️

06/16/2026

🏃‍♀️👟 One thing I love about running is that it's for everyone.
You don't have to be fast.
You don't have to win races.
You don't even have to call yourself a runner.
You just have to start.
The WDC Wet Shoe Club is an awesome opportunity for kids to get outside, build confidence, make friends, and discover what they're capable of.
As a running community, let's continue supporting the next generation of runners. A single mile can spark a lifelong love of movement and health.
A huge thank you to Coach Brunsberg and Coach Olson for investing in our youth and helping grow the running community in Wadena!
🏃‍♂️💙👟

Two more opportunities this week for a running workout with Coach Brunsberg and Olson. Wet Shoe Club meets at the Flag Pole tomorrow and Thursday Morning at 9 AM!

06/14/2026

What is Run Club?

It's not a race.
It's not a competition.
And honestly, it's not even really about running.

Run Club is for the person who hasn't run in years.
The person training for their first 5K.
The experienced runner chasing big goals.
The walker who just wants to move a little more.
The person looking for new friends.
The person who simply needs an hour away from the stress of life.

Every Thursday, people from all different backgrounds and fitness levels show up with one thing in common: they're investing in themselves.

We show up because movement makes us stronger.
We show up because fresh air clears our minds.
We show up because life is hard sometimes, and it's easier when you have people beside you.

Some people discover they can run farther than they ever thought possible.
Some discover confidence they didn't know they had.
Some find accountability.
Some find friendships.
Some find a community.

There is no pressure to be fast.
No pressure to keep up.
No pressure to be anything other than yourself.

This club isn't about becoming the best runner.

It's about becoming a healthier, stronger, happier version of you.

The HARDEST PART IS SHOWING UP FOR THE FIRST TIME.

After that, you'll wonder why you waited so long.

This is Agony of DeFeet Wadena Run Club.

Come join us. We saved you a spot and we can’t wait to meet you!

06/08/2026

Out on the trail is where the real work happened.

Loop after loop, runners navigated roots, mud, rain, hills, darkness, and fatigue—all while knowing they'd be asked to do it again an hour later.

Some were chasing a personal best.
Some were pushing beyond their longest distance ever.
Some were simply seeing how far they could go.

No matter the reason, every mile had to be earned.

A few moments from the trails of the first-ever Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra. 🌲