Badwater Cape Fear
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Badwater Cape Fear
The Badwater Cape Fear event takes place on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. The course offers a coastal running experience across two primary distances:
- 50 km
- 51 miles
The routes begin at the base of the Old Baldy Lighthouse. Runners navigate a 12 mile loop consisting of car-free, one-lane roads and maritime forest trails across the island. Following this initial section, the course transitions to the sandy beach stretch between Cape Fear and the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Depending on the chosen distance, participants complete either 19 or 39 miles on the beach.
The landscape features the Atlantic Ocean and Frying Pan Shoals to the east, with the marshlands of the Cape Fear River to the west. The beach environment is remote and undeveloped. Because the event is held under special use permits from local and state agencies, the exact route may be subject to changes based on government approval.
Participants have access to aid stations at three specific locations, which are passed multiple times throughout the race. These stations provide water, electrolyte drinks, gels, and various food items such as fruit, trail mix, and pickles. A drop bag service is available at the Bald Head Island Conservancy, which also serves as the race headquarters and finish line. This location hosts a social mixer the day before the event and provides finish line food including pizza and soup.
Finishers of the 51 mile race receive a belt buckle, while those completing the 50 km distance receive a medal. All participants are provided with a T-shirt, hat, sunglasses, a tote backpack, and a reusable cup, as the event does not use single-use disposable cups. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
