The Howling Ghost Trail Race

Aylmer, Canada • 27 Sep 2025

Event overview

The Howling Ghost Trail Race is scheduled for September 27, 2025 at Springwater Conservation Area in Aylmer, Ontario (47719 Conservation Line). This is the third edition of the event and it is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario. The event lists 179 participants and a fundraising total of $776.46 toward a $2,000 goal for the Children's Health Foundation.

Race format, course and logistics

The event uses an 8 km loop course through the Carolinian forest. The organizer describes the trails as mostly wide, groomed, and runnable. Distances offered:

  • 8k (one loop)
  • 16k (two loops)
  • 24k (three loops)
  • 8k Night Howl (night loop; headlamps mandatory) Day/night combination entries allow running a day distance plus the night 8k.

Timing is electronic with chips attached to bibs. Aid and hydration stations are available; aid access occurs every 8 km. The event is cupless, so participants must bring their own cup or bottle. Public washrooms are at the start/finish area. Day race entrants receive a long sleeve tee, night runners receive a toque, and all finishers receive a custom finisher medal. Camping is available at Springwater. There are no refunds; withdrawals before August 27 receive a 100% race credit and withdrawals after that date receive a 50% race credit. No bib transfers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

24 km
Day/night 24k/8k
24 km
Backroads Brews + Shoes 24k
16 km
16k
16 km
Day/night 16k/8k
8 km
Night Howl 8k
8 km
Day/night 8k/8k
8 km
Day/night 8k/8k (+ Backroads Bus)
8 km
New Era Grafix 8k
8 km
New Era Grafix 8k (+ Backroads Bus)
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
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