Badwater Cape Fear
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Event overview
Badwater Cape Fear is an ultrarunning event on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, scheduled for March 21, 2026. The event offers two distance options:
- 50 km
- 51.4 miles
All runners begin together at the foot of Old Baldy Lighthouse. The routes combine a twelve-mile section on car-free island roads and maritime forest trails with long out-and-back sections on East Beach between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. The 50 km course includes one beach round trip (about 19 miles of beach running); the 51.4-mile course includes two beach round trips (about 38 miles of beach running). Time limits apply: nine hours for the 50 km and 14 hours for the 51.4-mile, with an intermediate cut-off at mile 32.
Course, support and logistics
Aid is provided at three checkpoint locations that are passed multiple times: the start/finish area at Bald Head Island Conservancy (toilets available), a mid-beach aid location (no toilets), and Fort Fisher Ranger Station (toilets available). Aid stations supply water, Tailwind endurance drink, gels, electrolyte capsules, bars, fruit, and basic snacks; ibuprofen is not provided. Personal drop bags are available at the Bald Head Island Conservancy checkpoint.
Bald Head Island is reachable only by passenger ferry or private boat; motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island and most rentals include golf carts. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable; a 50% rollover credit to next year is available up to 60 days before the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.