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Badwater Cape Fear

Southport, United States • 21 Mar 2026

Badwater Cape Fear is the East Coast ultramarathon held on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. The event offers two distances: a 50 km option and a 51-mile option, starting at the foot of the Old Baldy Lighthouse. Runners begin with a 12-mile warm-up on car-free island roads and maritime forest trails, then continue on the beach from Cape Fear to Fort Fisher—19 miles for the 50 km and 38 miles for the 51-mile course.

The route delivers dramatic coastal scenery, with views of Frying Pan Shoals to the east and Cape Fear River marshlands to the west. Three aid stations are spaced along the course (with multiple passes for the longer distance). Finishing rewards include a belt buckle (51 miles) or a medal (50 km, plus a charity component). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

United States North Carolina Southport

Race information

Website
51 mi
51.4-Mile Race
50 km
50km Race
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
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