The 16 Hour Lock-in
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The 16 Hour Lock-In
The 16 Hour Lock-In is a timed endurance event held at Carolina Beach State Park in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. Participants have 16 hours to complete a 4.5 mile loop as many times as they choose. The event uses a no DNF format so athletes of different paces share the same course and timing structure.
The course runs through coastal maritime forest with views along the Cape Fear River. Trails are 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; runners may use adjacent grass off the road. The loop passes the Start/Finish area each circuit where personal gear, bathrooms, and an aid station are accessible.
The aid station supplies water, electrolyte drink, a variety of salty and sweet snacks, and two hot meals during the event. The race is cup free so all participants must bring a refillable hydration vessel. A headlamp or similar is required for anyone running after 5:30pm. The State Park gate closes at 7pm; anyone remaining past that time must be a registered camper or arrange pickup outside the park entrance.
Camping is offered at a limited group campsite with 30 10x10 spots available via an upgrade, and the park also has a separate family campground a short walk or drive from the course.
Recognized distance patches and awards are available for completed distances. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- 13.1 miles
- 26.2 miles
- 50k
- 50 miles
- 100k
