Badwater Cape Fear
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Badwater Cape Fear
Badwater Cape Fear is an ultrarunning event on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, scheduled for March 20, 2027. The race offers two distance options:
- 50 km
- 51.4 miles
The course begins with a twelve-mile warm-up across the island’s car-free, one-lane roads and maritime forest trails, then continues with long out-and-back sections on the sandy East Beach between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. The route runs along the Atlantic seaboard with views of the Frying Pan Shoals to the east and Cape Fear River marshlands to the west.
Logistics reflect the island setting: Bald Head Island is reachable only by passenger ferry or private boat, and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island. There are no hotels on the island; lodging is primarily vacation homes and cottages. Ferry service includes tram delivery of passengers and gear to island destinations.
Support and race services include three aid station locations that participants pass multiple times (six passes for the 50 km and ten passes for the 51.4-mile). Aid stations serve water, Tailwind endurance drink, gels, electrolyte capsules, bars, fruit, pickle juice, and other common race supplies. Finish-line provisions include pizza and soup; finishers receive event apparel and gear. Time limits apply: the 50 km has a nine-hour limit; the 51.4-mile has a 14-hour limit with an intermediate eight-hour cut at mile 32. Finishers of the full 51.4 miles within the time limit receive a belt buckle; 50 km finishers receive a medal.
The Bald Head Island Conservancy is the event’s official charity, with an annual fundraising goal noted in race materials. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
