The Howling Ghost Trail Race
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The Howling Ghost Trail Race
The Howling Ghost takes place on September 26, 2026 at Springwater Conservation Area in Aylmer (47719 Conservation Line). This is the event's fourth edition, held on trails through the Carolinian forest.
Race options include:
- 8 km (one loop)
- 16 km (two loops)
- 24 km (three loops)
- 8 km night (Night Howl, headlamps mandatory)
- Day and night combo options
All day distances are based on the 8 km loop. The trails are mostly wide and groomed, with looped course layouts that repeat the 8 km circuit depending on distance.
Registration includes park admission at Springwater; participants should identify themselves at the gate as race entrants since admission is covered by registration. Packet pickup is available in the days before the race at BackRoads Brews + Shoes and at the start/finish area on race day.
An aid station is located near the start/finish/interloop area with food and hydration; runners will have access to aid roughly every 8 km and there is an additional hydration station on course. The event is cupless so runners must bring a personal cup or bottle.
Day race entrants receive a combed cotton long sleeve race shirt; night race entrants receive a toque. Every finisher receives a custom medal with different colors for day and night. Event photos are available for free download. Awards are given to top finishers by gender where categories have at least three participants. A portion of event proceeds is donated to the Children’s Health Foundation. The race is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
