The Howling Ghost Trail Race

Join us on September 27th, 2025 at the Springwater Conservation Area in Aylmer (40 minutes from London) for the third edition of The Howling Ghost Trail Race!You can choose to complete the New Era Grafix 8k, 16k, or The BackRoads Brews + Shoes 24k through the beautiful Carolinian forest of Springwater.New this year, you can challenge yourself to complete 8k during the new Night Howl sub event! Headlamps will be mandatory in the night race.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! This year, we're also offering a bus from BackRoads to Springwater (and back to the store) for the 8k day race. If you'd like a spot on the bus, please ensure that you choose the correct option when registering. The bus will leave BackRoads at 9 a.m. sharp, and will depart Springwater at 12:45 p.m. to return to the store.***To comply with Canadian government regulations, as of December 2024, all prices listed on Race Roster are inclusive of the applicable Race Roster processing fees, which traditionally, were not shown until checkout. The prices you see listed, are the total price of the event/swag etc., prior to taxes. HST will be added at checkout.***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.The trails are mostly wide, groomed, and extremely runnable!Depending on your race, you'll run 1 loop, 2 loops, or 3 loops of the 8k course. The course is a beauty!Your registration includes your admission to Springwater. Tell them at the gate that you'll be running, and they will let you in. We'll be paying on your behalf out of your registration (all of your adoring fans will have to pay a $10 admission per car).Gates open at 9 a.m. for the day races.For the night race, gates will be staffed at 6 p.m.You should be good to run this race in trail or road shoes depending on the weather.Like all Persistence Racing events, a portion of event proceeds will be donated to the Children's Health Foundation. The runner who raises the most will be awarded a free entry to next year's Howling Ghost.Speaking of free entries, some have asked about this being a Halloween race, well, it's around that time of year, and we acknowledge that the name sounds like it would be. So, 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, and the best duo or group, with a $200 credit to be split among the group. Just 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!If you're planning to run in costume, check out our race partner McCulloch's for all of your costume needs. Show them proof of your Howling Ghost registration and you'll receive a 10% discount on your purchase.Race SanctioningThe Howling Ghost is proudly sanctioned by Athletics Ontario. Race ScheduleTentative early packet pick up times are scheduled as follows:September 25th, 2025BackRoads Brews + Shoes1295 Riverbend Road, London, ON6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.September 26th, 2025BackRoads Brews + Shoes10 a.m. - 6 p.m.September 27th, 2025 Race DayOn race morning, race kits will be available at the start/finish area beginning at 9:30 a.m. If you are picking up your race kit on race morning, please give yourself ample time to do so.10:30 a.m. 8k start10:35 a.m. 16k start10:40 a.m. 24k startRace kits will be available for the night race starting at 6:30 p.m.7:30 p.m. 8k night startTimingAll events will be electronically timed by Chiptime Results. Your timing chip will be attached to your bib.Aid Station/WashroomsWe will have an aid station located near the start/finish/interloopal area. Hydration and food options will be available. You will have access to the aid station every 8 km. In addition, we'll have a hydration aid station on course.New this year, we are going cupless. Please bring your own cup or bottle which can be filled at the aid stations/post race.There are public washrooms at the start/finish/interloopal area.Swag, Medals, Prizes, and More!Each runner in the day races will receive a combed cotton ring spun long sleeve tee featuring the race logo. These awesome shirts are included with your registration. You can choose between the women's cut and the men's cut.
Runners in the night race will receive a Howling Ghost toque.

In addition, each finisher will receive a custom Howling Ghost finisher's medal.Our race photographer will be on hand to capture all of your awkward running facial expressions. Your photos are yours to download, FOR FREE. Race photos at night are tricky, so we can't promise photos at night, but we're working on it.The top finisher in each gender category in the 8k, 16k, 24k, and 8k night race will receive an award to mark their achievement.CampingCamping is available at Springwater before and after the race. You can find booking details here.Event Records8kJoshua Graham 33:00 (2024)Katrina Teeuwen 37:02 (2023)16kAdam Jarrett 1:07:57 (2024)Emma Dodge 1:29:32 (2024)24kAndrew Doan 1:43:14 (2024)Jacquelyn Price 2:18:02 (2024)8k Night HowlInsert your name here? (2025)Refund PolicyThere are no refunds for this event. However, life happens. Work trouble, running injuries, a bad paper cut, we get it. If you have to withdraw from the event prior to August 27th, we will give you a 100% race credit for a future Persistence race.If you need to withdraw after August 27th, you will receive a 50% race credit. Sorry, but by then we will have already paid for your stuff, and the resale market for unclaimed race swag and medals is unfavourable.(credits will be minus taxes, fees, and any donations)There are no bib transfers available.Thanks for taking part in the Howling Ghost!
Other RacesBe sure to check out all of our Persistence races here.