Badwater Cape Fear
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Event details
Badwater Cape Fear takes place on Bald Head Island, North Carolina on March 21, 2026. The event offers two distance options:
- 50 km
- 51.4 miles
The start line is at the foot of the Old Baldy Lighthouse. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable; a 50% rollover credit for next year is available until 60 days before the race. The Bald Head Island Conservancy is the event's official charity.
Course, support, and logistics
The route begins with about twelve miles on car-free, one-lane island roads and maritime forest trails, then continues on an out-and-back along East Beach between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. The 50 km course includes one round-trip on the beach (about 19 miles of beach running); the 51.4-mile course includes two round-trips on the beach (about 38 miles of beach running). The route is subject to final approval by local government agencies and special use permits.
Aid is provided at three fixed aid-station locations that runners pass multiple times. Aid stations will offer water, electrolyte drink, gels, bars, fruit, snack items, basic supplies, and select hot food at the finish area. Toilets are available at the Bald Head Island Conservancy aid station and at Fort Fisher; the mid-beach aid station has no toilets. Personal drop bags are accessible at the Bald Head Island Conservancy location.
Ferry access is required to reach Bald Head Island; motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island and rental properties include golf carts. Time limits: the 50 km has a nine-hour cut-off; the 51.4-mile has a 14-hour cut-off with an intermediate eight-hour cut-off at mile 32, with reclassification rules for entrants who miss the intermediate cut-off. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
