Kick off the 2025 trail running season with the Howling Wolf Trail Race on Saturday April 19th, 2025, the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring! Taking place in the breathtaking trails of The Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area in Milton, Ontario this event is the first trail race of the year and a fresh start for trail enthusiasts to shake off winter and dive into the season with excitement.
Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or just starting your journey, this race has something for everyone. From the family-friendly 1K Kids Race to the thrilling 21K Half Marathon, every distance offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.
Why Join The Howling Wolf?
- Celebrate spring on some of Ontario’s most scenic trails.
- Enjoy a professionally organized event with support and surprises from start to finish.
- All proceeds go to STAC Hamilton youth programs, directly supporting sports initiatives for downtown Hamilton communities.
- Special perks and prizes, courtesy of our event partners.
Distances:
- 1K Kids Race: Perfect for the little wolves eager to join the pack! A fun and safe way for kids to get their tails wagging.
- 5K Race: A great choice for beginners or anyone wanting a quick, scenic trail run. Enjoy the fresh spring air and picturesque views!
- 10K Race: Challenge yourself with this mid-distance run that takes you deeper into the beautiful spring trails. Expect a mix of rolling hills and forested terrain.
- 21K Race (Half Marathon): The ultimate test for all trail runners! Conquer the trails with this exhilarating and scenic half marathon distance.
Our Sponsors:
Merrell Canada
The ultimate outdoor hiking and trail running gear to take on the outdoors all year round. Check out their products at Merrell Canada
XACT Nutrition 
Keep you fuelled throughout your training and on race day, so you can hit your goals strong. Once you're registered, we will send out our race discount code so you can order and train with their products. All the good are here Xact Nutrition
MEC Burlington 
We are excited to announce that MEC Burlington will be part of our title sponsorship lineup! They not only sell Merrell and Xact Nutrition, but EVERYTHING you need for your outdoor needs, like everything. Browse online at MEC Burlington and go check them out in person at
Address:
1030 Brant Street
Burlington, Ontario
L7R 0B2
Donation Partnership:
We’re proud to partner with the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre (HRIC)—race participants will have the opportunity to donate to this vital organization during the registration process, helping them continue their impactful work with the Indigenous community within Hamilton and surrounding areas. Please take a moment to visit their website, and see why we have chosen them as not just a donation partner, but an important need for the indigenous communities.
Don’t Miss the Merch!
Stay stylish and grab your limited-edition STAC 2025 swag, including high-performance gear and the epic STAC Wolf “Heavy Metal” design for additional purchase during the registration process and in the online store.
Your race isn’t just about running—it’s about making a difference! All proceeds will support STAC Hamilton’s youth programs, empowering young people through sports and healthy living.
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So howl with us and hit the trails on April 19th! Lace up your shoes, bring your friends and family, and let’s make the Howling Wolf Trail Race a celebration of spring, community, and the great outdoors.
Artwork and graphics are all thanks to Benjamin Whitworth
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
5K Trail Race Closed
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure! This 5K route at Conservation Halton promises an exhilarating experience on some of the most scenic and technical trails in the area. You’ll navigate rugged terrain, tackle winding paths, and race along beautiful sections that showcase the natural beauty of Conservation Halton’s trail network. This course is fast, fun, and packed with variety, offering just the right mix of challenges to keep your adrenaline high and your trail-running passion ignited. Whether you’re an experienced runner seeking an exciting test or a beginner eager to embrace the thrill of trail running, this 5K is the perfect way to kick off your spring racing season. If you’re searching for a 5K that combines stunning scenery with heart-pounding excitement, this is the race for you!
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$66.98Dec 31 - Apr 19
10K Trail Race Closed
Elevate your trail running game! This exciting 10K route at Conservation Halton will challenge you through some of the most scenic and varied trails in the region. You’ll navigate rugged terrain, tackle thrilling climbs, and race through a mix of forested paths and open stretches that highlight the beauty of Conservation Halton. From technical segments that test your agility to wide, flowing trails that let you pick up the pace, this course offers the perfect blend of challenge and reward. Each step will push your endurance and fuel your love for the trails, leaving you with a deep sense of accomplishment. If you’re looking to take on an unforgettable 10K that’s equal parts demanding and inspiring, this is the race for you!
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$77.77Dec 31 - Apr 19
21K Trail Race Closed
Ready to push your trail running limits? This thrilling 21K route at Conservation Halton is designed to challenge and inspire you with its dynamic, action-packed course. You’ll navigate rugged trails, conquer technical sections, and race through breathtaking stretches of Conservation Halton’s scenic trail network. From challenging climbs to flowing paths, this course is fast, demanding, and guaranteed to test your endurance. Along the way, you’ll be fueled by the excitement of trail running and the support of enthusiastic STAC Marshalls cheering you on. Aid stations stocked with Xact Hydration and Nutrition, gummy bears, and fresh fruit will keep you energized every step of the way. If you’re looking for a 21K race that combines the thrill of trail running with the beauty of nature, this is the ultimate challenge to kick off your spring season and leave you with an unforgettable sense of accomplishment!
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$99.36Dec 31 - Apr 19
1K Kids Race Closed
Perfect for the little wolves eager to join the pack! A fun and safe way for kids to get their tails wagging. 1K can be for any kiddo at whichever pace, and parents can join them because sometimes they need the support. We're all here to see them get out there and have a blast! The kids will get their own special race kit that has a race shirt, stickers and a patch!
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$18.44Dec 31 - Apr 19
1) Race Location and Start:
The race will take place at the Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area located at 7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON L9E 0M9
Saturday, April 19th, 2025:
8:30 AM - Kids 1km Fun Run
8:45 AM - 21K Challenge
9:00 AM - 10K Race
9:15 AM - 5K Race
9:45 AM - 5K Awards
10:00 AM - 10K Awards
11:00 AM - 21K Awards
2) Race Kit Pick Up:
We want your race day to be as stress-free as possible, so race kits will be available from 7:00 AM. Please plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before your race to ensure you have time to collect your kit and prepare. The Conservation Area gate will open at 6:30 AM to welcome you.
Whether you’re racing for a personal best or simply immersing yourself in the awakening beauty of spring, The Howling Wolf Trail Race promises an unforgettable experience for runners of all ages and abilities.
3) Race Course:
Awaken your adventurous spirit at The Howling Wolf Trail Race, a celebration of nature’s rebirth after the deep winter freeze. Inspired by the call of wolves howling to welcome spring, this race is your opportunity to embrace the thrill of trail running while surrounded by the rugged beauty of Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, one of Halton Conservation’s most stunning parks.
This course is designed to challenge and inspire runners of all abilities with distances of 1km, 5km, 10km, and 21km. Each route weaves through the iconic Bruce Trail and its captivating side trails, offering a thrilling mix of elevation, technical sections, and fast, open stretches.
4) Cupless:
ALL of our events are cupless. Please bring a collapsible cup, water bottle, or hydration pack. We will have Xact hydration and water tanks to dispense into your container.
5) Parking/Spectators:
Parking is available at this event. Entry to the conservation area is included with your race registration. We do encourage participants to carpool. If you have family members or friends that you can carpool with, PLEASE DO! We would really appreciate it.
Spectators are definitely allowed to cheer on the runners, however, they need to arrive in the same vehicle as the participant. Spectators will also have to pay to enter the park (we are covering the cost for the participants). We are happy to help direct spectators to the key attractions of the Rattlesnake Point area including lookout points, ancient cedars, as well as the trails themselves.
6) Merchandise:
Your race entry comes with a FREE Race Tee! We do have STAC Hamilton shirts, hoodies, and hats. First come, first served. Cash is the fastest but you can also E-transfer.
7) Facilities
We will have access to the conservation centre, and washrooms will be available for participants. However, There are no washroom facilities on the race course!
8) Aid Station
There will be only one main aid station at the start/finish. Participants running the 21km distance can refuel and hydrate before taking on loop number two.
9) Medals
We have medals for all participants!
10) Training Runs
Training runs around Rattlesnake Point will be available on weekends prior to the event. Mainly Saturday and Sunday mornings. For details regarding training runs and race course recon please contact Martin Szydlowski at coachmartin.ca
11) Race Photographs
STAC Hamilton is renowned for capturing the true atmosphere and energy of a trail race, and with photographers stationed throughout the course, make sure to bring your game face and cross that finish line to claim your medal!
12) Race Kit
With every race kit, participants will get a Howling Wolf race t-shirt, Xact nutrition energy bar, STAC running socks, Howling Wolf face cover, and vouchers for local vendors for discounts and promotions.
13) Warming station
Will we have space blankets, can participant go inside of the building to warm up.
14) Chip Timing
Your race will be timed and results will be posted on our website which we will send out to participants and post on our social media for all to see.
15) Nutrition & Hydration from our Xact Nutrition
Every participant will get a Xact Energy Fruit Bar in their race kit and at our aid station there will be water and Xact Electrolytes in a water dispenser. Both options! We are a cupless race, so please bring your own water vessel or you can purchase a STAC collapsible cup at the merch table.
16) Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering opportunities at the race, please contact Martin at martin@stachamilton.ca
17) First Aid:
We will have medical on-site and on the course providing any first aid that is needed from St Johns Ambulance
18) Refunds / Transfers
There is no refund for our events. All proceeds go towards our youth programs for the downtown Hamilton communities, and we appreciate your love and support! We do encourage you to sell and transfer your bib on our Facebook group and on Instagram where we have the most engagement. Please make sure to tag @stactrailevents and @steeltownathleticclub so we can share it within the community to help you with the transfer.
Contact information
- Event contact
- Vincent Kuber
- vince@stachamilton.ca
- Phone
- 2892443519
