The 16 Hour Lock-in
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The 16 Hour Lock-In at Carolina Beach State Park
The 16 Hour Lock-In is a timed endurance event organized by Punk Rock Ultras at Carolina Beach State Park, where participants may complete a 4.5-mile loop as many times as they choose within a 16-hour period. The course is groomed, wide and relatively flat, with two hills adding about 100 feet of climb per loop. Surfaces include dirt, sand, pine straw, roots and a short section of road with a grass option.
The loop returns to a Start/Finish area with access to personal gear, bathrooms, and an aid station. The aid station supplies water, Tailwind, and a variety of salty, sweet and savory snacks, plus two hot meals served at lunch and dinner. The event is cup free so participants must bring a refillable hydration vessel. A sheltered drop bag area is available for those without a 10x10 camp spot. This year the course runs clockwise as part of the event rotation.
Only registered campers may remain inside the park after the gate closes at 7pm. The race offers 30 group campsite spots with a paid camping upgrade; these spots provide a 10x10 personal area adjacent to the course, an overnight car pass, and primitive walk-in camping with pit latrines. The park also has a family campground under one mile from the course for RV or tent camping.
Every official finisher receives a Punk Rock Ultras patch and all participants receive a Lock-In shirt; participants who register before October 1 are guaranteed their shirt size. Top three finishers by distance are recognized in Male, Female, and Non-Binary divisions. Refunds of 75 percent are allowed for cancellations made by October 1. Volunteers who work six hours receive a race shirt, priority registration next year, and may earn free camping for night shifts. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
