The 16 Hour Lock-in
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The 16 Hour Lock-In : Carolina Beach State Park
The event is a 16-hour endurance format held inside Carolina Beach State Park. Participants run a loop of 4.5 miles and may complete as many laps as they choose within the time limit. The course runs through a coastal maritime forest with groomed, wide, and relatively flat trails, and includes dirt, sand, pine straw, roots, and a short section of road with a grass option. Each loop includes two hills with about 100 feet of climb per loop. This year the course direction is clockwise.
The Start/Finish area is at the group campsites and provides a sheltered drop bag area for participants who do not have a personal 10x10 camp spot. A staffed aid station at the Start/Finish supplies water, Tailwind, and a variety of salty, sweet, and savory snacks, plus two hot meals during the event; vegan and gluten free options are offered on request. The event is cup free, so participants must bring a refillable hydration vessel. Running after dark requires a headlamp or similar light.
Camping is limited. Only registered campers may stay overnight inside the park; the organizer offers 30 group campsites that include a 10x10 personal area, primitive facilities, and an overnight car pass. Alternative family campground sites are available nearby at the state park at a short walk or drive. Volunteers who work shifts receive a race shirt, priority registration for the following year, and night volunteers receive free camping; volunteering also counts toward a multi-year club. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
