Badwater Cape Fear
Southport, United States • 21 Mar 2026
Event overview
Badwater Cape Fear takes place on Bald Head Island, North Carolina on March 21, 2026. The event offers two race distances:
- 50 km
- 51.4 miles
The start line is at the foot of the Old Baldy Lighthouse. The route includes an initial 12 miles on the island's one-lane roads and maritime forest trails, followed by beach running between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher.
Course, logistics and support
The 50 km course adds one out-and-back on East Beach (about 19 miles of beach running). The 51.4-mile course includes two out-and-backs to Fort Fisher (about 38 miles of beach running). Time limits are nine hours for the 50 km and 14 hours for the 51.4-mile, with an intermediate 8-hour cut-off at mile 32 for the longer distance; runners who miss the 8-hour mark but reach mile 32 within nine hours may be reclassified as 50 km finishers.
Aid is provided at three locations that are passed multiple times. Stations list water, Tailwind electrolyte drink, gels, electrolyte capsules, bars, fruit, snacks, and other basic supplies; ibuprofen is not provided. Personal drop bags are available at the Bald Head Island Conservancy checkpoint.
Bald Head Island is reachable only by passenger ferry or private boat; motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island and most rental properties include golf carts. Ferry fares shown in the event materials are $23 round-trip ($12 for children). Entry benefits include an event T-shirt, hat, sunglasses, tote, cupless cup, and awards (buckle for official 51.4-mile finishers, medal for official 50 km finishers). The event's official charity is the Bald Head Island Conservancy. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.