Night Howler 50
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Night Howler 50 : overview
The Night Howler 50 is a 50-mile ultramarathon held at Hoover Sports Park East in Hoover, Alabama (2649 Old Rocky Ridge Road). The race is a lap format that begins at sunset and takes place mostly in darkness. Each runner must complete twenty laps of a 2.5-mile loop to cover the 50 miles and must finish within 16 hours to be an official finisher. All participants must be 19 or older.
Course and logistics
The loop starts and finishes at the building in the middle of the baseball fields and includes a bridge above the Cahaba River, four flights of stairs down into wooded trails, and mostly flat terrain with a few small inclines and declines. A full-service aid station is located at the start/finish area and will be accessible each lap. The event is cup-less; runners must bring their own cups or bottles.
There is space in the start/finish area for crews to set up tents or personal aid stations outside the course. Pacers are allowed on course at any time. Packet pickup is on race day at the start/finish area; a photo ID is required and runners receive a race bib and a custom t-shirt. The event is held rain or shine. Organizer notes typical June temperatures in Hoover around a high of 88 F and a low of 68 F, and recommends bringing a headlamp and extra batteries. Awards include a custom belt buckle for finishers within the 16-hour limit and medals for the top three men and top three women. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.