Badwater Cape Fear
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About the race
Badwater Cape Fear takes place on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, on March 20, 2027. The start line is at the foot of the Old Baldy Lighthouse and the course combines island roads, maritime forest trails, and an extended sandy beach along the Cape Fear shoreline.
Distances
- 50 km
- 51 miles
The event begins with a twelve-mile warm-up on car-free, one-lane roads and maritime forest trails on Bald Head Island. Runners then continue on the sandy beach between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, with either 19 miles (50 km option) or 39 miles (51-mile option) of beach running. The beach section offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Frying Pan Shoals to the east and undeveloped marshlands of the Cape Fear River to the west.
Support includes three aid station locations that are passed a total of six times for the 50 km and ten times for the 51-mile race. Stations and checkpoints provide Hammer Gel, Endurolytes, Tailwind drink, Hyk Energy, water, bananas, oranges, trail mix, chips, pickles, pickle juice, and other items. Aid Station 1 at Bald Head Island Conservancy serves as the drop-bag location and is passed at Mile 3, Mile 4, Mile 12, Mile 32, and Mile 51. Ambulance service is available on Bald Head Island and EMS and ranger support are provided on course. Finish-line food includes pizza and soup. A Friday afternoon social mixer at Bald Head Island Conservancy is planned for racers, volunteers, family, and friends.
Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable; a 50% rollover credit for next year is available until 60 days prior. If the event is canceled for pandemic, hurricane, or similar force majeure, neither refunds nor credits will be given. The final route is subject to agency approvals and may change. Registered finishers receive race items and awards: a belt buckle for 51.4-mile official finishers and a medal for 50-km official finishers, plus a tri-blend T-shirt, hat, sunglasses, tote backpack, and a reusable cupless cup. Additional awards include a special award for those who complete this event and the Cape Fear Marathon in the same calendar year, and complimentary shoes for male and female winners of each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
