Cape Fear Marathon
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Event
The Cape Fear Marathon & Half takes place on Bald Head Island, North Carolina on Sunday, October 18, 2026. The event is organized by AdventureCORPS, presented by Mount to Coast, and hosted by Badwater. Entry fee for each distance is listed as $169. Participants are responsible for their own travel and ferry arrangements to and from Bald Head Island.
Distances
- 26.2 miles (Marathon)
- 13.1 miles (Half Marathon)
Course and logistics
Both races run entirely on Bald Head Island using car-free, one-lane roads and include sections of beach around Cape Fear. The start line is at Old Baldy Lighthouse and the finish is near the marina end of the wooden bridge behind Jules Salty Grub. Half-marathoners complete one and a half laps of the island with a 0.75-mile sand stretch. Marathoners complete three laps and three beach circuits for about 2.2 miles of beach running and roughly 24 miles on island roads. The half has a 4-hour time limit and the full has a 7-hour time limit.
Support, swag and policies
There are three aid station locations on the route, including one at the Bald Head Island Conservancy and one at the beach entry; aid stations provide water, sports drink, gels, snacks, fruit, electrolyte capsules and basic supplies. The race is cupless; entrants receive a Badwater race cup in their tote bag along with a bib, t-shirt, hat, buff, sunglasses and other items. Finishers receive a medal. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
