The Howling Ghost Trail Race

Event Details

• Date: September 26th, 2026
• Location: Springwater Conservation Area, Aylmer, ON (40 minutes from London)
• URL: Race Registration
• Edition: 4th edition of The Howling Ghost Trail Race

Race Options

• Distance Choices: New Era Grafix 8k, Always Moving 16k, The BackRoads Brews + Shoes 24k
• Night Race: Structural Panels Inc. Night Howl (8k, headlamps mandatory)
• Ultimate Challenge: Day/Night Challenge (run a day race, return for Night Howl)
• Course: Beautiful Carolinian forest trails, mostly wide and runnable

Registration & Admission

• Included: Registration includes admission to Springwater (mention you're running at the gate)
• Car Admission: All fans pay a $10 admission per car
• Gates Open: 9 a.m. for day races, 6 p.m. for night race
• Shoe Recommendation: Trail or road shoes depending on the weather

Charity & Awards

• Charity: A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Children's Health Foundation
• Fundraiser: Top fundraiser gets a free entry for next year's race
• Costume Contest: Prizes for best individual ($50 credit) and group costumes ($200 credit)
• Eligibility: Bib must be visible to be eligible for costume awards

Post-Race Recovery

• Partner: Check out Frigid Recovery for 20% off cold immersion therapy

Race Schedule

• September 24, 2026: Early Packet Pickup at BackRoads Brews + Shoes from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• September 25, 2026: Early Packet Pickup at BackRoads Brews + Shoes from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• September 26, 2026: Race Day Packet Pickup begins at 9:30 a.m.
• Race Starts: 8k at 10:30 a.m., 16k at 10:35 a.m., 24k at 10:40 a.m. Night race starts at 7:30 p.m.

Race Logistics

• Timing: Electronically timed by Chiptime Results, timing chip attached to your bib
• Aid Stations: Located near start/finish area, accessible every 8 km
• Hydration: Cupless race: please bring your own cup or bottle
• Washrooms: Public washrooms available at the start/finish area

Swag, Medals, and Awards

• Day Race Swag: Combed cotton long sleeve tee featuring the race logo
• Late Registrations: No swag for registrations after September 1st
• Night Race Swag: Howling Ghost toque for night race participants
• Finisher Medals: Custom Howling Ghost finisher's medal for each participant

Camping

• Availability: Camping at Springwater before and after the race
• Booking: Find details here

Refund Policy

• No Refunds: No refunds for this event
• Withdrawal Credit: 100% race credit for withdrawals before August 26th
• After August 26th: 50% credit for withdrawals
• Transfers: No bib transfers available

Participation Acknowledgment

Thanks for taking part in the Howling Ghost!

Other Races

Be sure to check out all of our Persistence races here.