The Howling Ghost Trail Race

Event Overview

Join us on September 26th, 2026 at the Springwater Conservation Area in Aylmer (40 minutes from London) for the 4th edition of The Howling Ghost Trail Race!

Race Options

• Distance Choices: You can choose to complete the New Era Grafix 8k, Always Moving 16k, or The BackRoads Brews + Shoes 24k through the beautiful Carolinian forest of Springwater.
• Night Howl Event: For the second year, you can challenge yourself to complete 8k during the Structural Panels Inc. Night Howl sub event! Headlamps are mandatory in the night race.
• Ultimate Challenge: You could also try the ultimate challenge, by taking on the Day/Night Challenge. Run one of the day races, and come back for the Night Howl!
• All Abilities Welcome: This race is perfect for runners of all abilities. If you're new to trail running, this is a great place to run your first trail race. If you're an experienced trail runner, this is a great spot to run a personal best.

Course Details

• Trail Quality: The trails are mostly wide, groomed, and extremely runnable!
• Loop Structure: Depending on your race, you'll run 1 loop, 2 loops, or 3 loops of the 8k course. The course is a beauty!
• Registration Inclusion: Your registration includes your admission to Springwater. Tell them at the gate that you'll be running, and they will let you in.
• Admission Fees: All of your adoring fans will have to pay a $10 admission per car.

Event Schedule

• Gates Open: Gates open at 9 a.m. for the day races.
• Night Race Gates: For the night race, gates will be staffed at 6 p.m.
• Shoe Recommendation: You should be good to run this race in trail or road shoes depending on the weather.
• Race Day Schedule:
  • 10:30 a.m. 8k start
  • 10:35 a.m. 16k start
  • 10:40 a.m. 24k start
  • 7:30 p.m. 8k night start

Charity and Costumes

• Charity Donation: Like all Persistence Racing events, a portion of event proceeds will be donated to the Children's Health Foundation.
• Costume Contest: If you want to dress up, feel free. We'll award the best individual costume with a $50 race credit for a future event of their choice.
• Duo/Group Awards: The best duo or group will receive a $200 credit to be split among the group.
• Visibility: Make sure your bib is still visible with any costumes so we know who to get in touch with. You've got to run in costume to be eligible!

Post-Race Recovery

If you're looking for some post-race recovery, check out our partners at Frigid Recovery. Tell them that you ran the race, and you'll receive 20% off of your cold immersion therapy.

Race Sanctioning

The Howling Ghost has always been sanctioned by Athletics Ontario and we've applied again for this year. We'll update this section once it's complete.

Aid Stations and Facilities

• Hydration Options: We will have an aid station located near the start/finish/interloopal area. Hydration and food options will be available.
• Access Frequency: You will have access to the aid station every 8 km. In addition, we'll have a hydration aid station on course.
• Environmentally Friendly: We are a cupless race. Please bring your own cup or bottle which can be filled at the aid stations/post race.
• Restroom Facilities: There are public washrooms at the start/finish/interloopal area.

Swag and Awards

• T-Shirts: Each runner in the day races will receive a combed cotton ring spun long sleeve tee featuring the race logo.
• Night Race Toque: Runners in the night race will receive a Howling Ghost toque.
• Finisher Medals: Each finisher will receive a custom Howling Ghost finisher's medal. There will be a different colour for the day and night medals.
• Race Photography: Our race photographer will be on hand to capture all of your awkward running facial expressions. Your photos are yours to download, FOR FREE.

Event Records

Here are the current records for each distance:

• 8k: Joshua Graham 33:00 (2024), Katrina Teeuwen 37:02 (2023)
• 16k: Adam Jarrett 1:07:57 (2024), Emma Dodge 1:29:32 (2024)
• 24k: Andrew Doan 1:43:14 (2024), Bernice Booth 2:13:48 (2025)
• 8k Night Howl: Paul Sheppard 35:30 (2025), Colleen Foran-Govers 44:45 (2025)

Refund Policy

• No Refunds: There are no refunds for this event. However, if you have to withdraw from the event prior to August 26th, we will give you a 100% race credit for a future Persistence race.
• Post Deadline Credits: If you need to withdraw after August 26th, you will receive a 50% race credit.
• Non-Transferable: There are no bib transfers available.
• Conclusion: Thanks for taking part in the Howling Ghost!

Other Races

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

Registration Link

For more information and to register, visit The Howling Ghost Trail Race registration page.