Race Description

Have you ever wanted to run a race overnight… in the darkness? The Night Howler 50 is the event for you! Most other races begin at a comfortable and convenient time of day, sunrise. But, this is not your typical 50-miler. Instead, we’re kicking this race off at an inconvenient and uncomfortable time of day, sunset. The Night Howler 50 is a 50-mile race that begins at sunset and allows you to push yourself through the darkest, loneliest part of the day. Trust me, running throughout the night is a whole different experience. This race will be organized by The Running Birds and will be a loop style race. If you’ve never experienced a race with us, get ready for a unique experience that you will not forget.

Race Course

The course is a 2.5-mile loop and will be clearly marked with flags and glowsticks. The course will start at the building in the middle of the baseball fields at Hoover Sports Park East. This will also be the location for the aid station. The course will cross over the bridge above the Cahaba River and then descend four flights of stairs into the wooded trails. The course is flat with a couple of small inclines/declines. This will be a fast 50-mile course and is the perfect course for the first-time 50-mile runners as well as veteran ultramarathoners seeking to set a personal record.

Each runner must complete (20) twenty laps which completes 50 miles. This must be done in 16 hours or less to be an official finisher and receive the custom belt buckle. The 16-hour time cut-off is a 19:12 per mile pace.

All participants must be 18 or older.

Racer Setup, Crewing, & Pacing

There will be plenty of space in the start/finish area for participants and their crews to set up tents and/or personal aid stations as long as they are set up outside of the race course. Runners may receive whatever aid is necessary while in between laps in the start/finish area. Also, pacers will be allowed on the course at any time.

Race Location

The Night Howler 50 will be held at the Hoover Sports Park East in Hoover, Alabama.

Address: 2649 Old Rocky Ridge Road Hoover, AL 35216

The GPS coordinates of the parking lot you’ll want to park in are: (33.4022381, -86.7603516)

Packet Pickup

There is no early packet pickup for this event. Race day packet pickup will be at the start/finish line which will be located by the field house/concession stand area in the middle of the baseball fields. There will be plenty of parking and access to restrooms. Packet pickup will be from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Make sure you bring your photo ID for positive identification. Runners will receive a race bib number and a custom t-shirt at packet pickup. A pre-race briefing will take place at 7:40 PM. The competition will begin at 8:00 PM sharp. This is the projected sunset time on the date of the race.

Refunds

We understand things happen in training and in life itself. However, no refunds will be given to any runner for this competition. In the event you can find another runner to take your spot, you can transfer your entry to them. You can also defer your entry to next year’s event. Just email us and we will make sure to get it taken care of.

Gear Considerations

June weather in Hoover, Alabama is typically hot and humid with an average high of 88 and low of 68. However, this is Alabama weather and could vary significantly so be prepared for any type of weather, including rain. This will be a rain or shine event.

Also, the race will begin promptly at 8:00 PM. You will be running in darkness for most, if not all, of the event. So, be sure to bring a headlamp for the course and some extra batteries.

Awards, Swag

This event is organized by The Running Birds so the swag will be top notch. All runners will receive a custom Night Howler 50 t-shirt at packet pickup. If you complete the 50-mile distance within the 16-hour time frame, you will receive a custom belt buckle for your achievement. The belt buckle will be worth every mile and all the effort you put into accomplishing this challenge.

The top three male finishers and the top three female finishers will be awarded custom medals for their hard work and achievement. Like the belt buckle, only finishers of the entire 50-mile course will receive the custom 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place custom medal.

To be guaranteed a t-shirt and belt buckle, you must sign up by May 25, 2025. We will order a few extra shirts and buckles, but you must sign up by this date to make sure you receive these items.

Aid Stations

We will provide a full-service aid station with food and hydration for the runners throughout the competition. This aid station will be located at the start/finish line area so runners will be able to access it every lap. We will offer typical aid station food including various light snacks and fruit. Hot food options such as pancakes and quesadillas will also be provided at certain times throughout the event. With that said, we encourage every competitor to provide his/her own aid if you desire certain types of food and hydration. This is a cup-less event. You must bring your own cups and/or water bottles for your food and hydration.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this event, contact us at therunningbirds11@gmail.com

Event's current local time: 3:36 PM CT