Cape Fear Marathon

Cape Fear Marathon & Half

The Cape Fear Marathon & Half is hosted by the Badwater ultramarathon series on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. The event takes place Sunday, October 18, 2026, and offers full and half marathon distances presented by Mount to Coast.

The course runs entirely on Bald Head Island’s car-free, one-lane roads with a short stretch of beach around Cape Fear. The start area is at Old Baldy lighthouse and the finish is at the marina end of the wooden bridge that crosses the marsh creek. Runners pass the Bald Head Island Conservancy, which serves as a local charitable partner and one of the aid station locations.

Distances:

• 26.2 miles (marathon)
• 13.1 miles (half marathon)

Half-marathon entrants run one and a half laps of the island including a 0.75 mile sand section around Cape Fear. Marathon entrants run three laps with three beach circuits for roughly 2.2 miles on sand and about 24 miles on the island’s golf cart roads. There are three aid stations positioned near the beach entry, at the Conservancy, and near the start/finish; these stations offer water, Tailwind drink, gels, electrolyte capsules, snacks, and limited supplies but do not serve ibuprofen.

The event is cupless; entrants receive a reusable Badwater Race Cup and are encouraged to carry personal hydration. Time limits are 4 hours for the half and 7 hours for the full. Entry fees are non refundable and non transferable, the route is subject to change and special use permits apply. Participants arrange their own travel and ferry to Bald Head Island. Finishers receive a medal and event swag including a tote, tri blend shirt, hat, buff, Race Cup, sunglasses, and other items. Male and female winners of each distance receive a pair of Mount to Coast shoes. A special award is issued to those who complete Badwater Cape Fear and the Cape Fear Marathon & Half in the same calendar year. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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