Cape Fear Marathon
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Event Overview
The Cape Fear Marathon & Half takes place on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. The event is held on a car-free environment featuring one-lane-wide roads and stretches of beach terrain. The course is designed as a multi-lap route that starts at the Old Baldy Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, and finishes at the marina near the marsh creek.
Distances
- 42.2 km (Marathon)
- 21.1 km (Half Marathon)
Course Details
The marathon consists of three laps around the island, while the half marathon consists of one and a half laps. Both distances include segments on the sand around Cape Fear. The marathon includes a total of approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) of beach running, with the remaining 24 miles (38.6 km) on paved golf cart roads. The half marathon includes a single 0.75-mile (1.2 km) stretch of sand.
This is a cupless event, and participants are required to carry their own hydration systems, such as hand-held bottles or packs. There are three aid station locations positioned at the beach entry point, the Bald Head Island Conservancy, and near the start/finish area. These stations provide water, electrolyte drinks, gels, and various snacks.
Participant Information
The event has a strict time limit of 4 hours for the half marathon and 7 hours for the full marathon. Entrants receive a race shirt, a hat, and a finisher medal. A post-race meal is provided near the finish line at the marina. Access to the island is via ferry from Southport, and participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
