Badwater Cape Fear

Event Overview

Badwater Cape Fear takes place on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, and offers a remote ultra running experience on the East Coast. The event features two distinct distance options:

• 51.4 miles
• 50 km

The race starts at the foot of the Old Baldy Lighthouse. The course begins with a 12 mile section on car-free, one-lane-wide roads and maritime forest trails throughout Bald Head Island. Following this segment, participants transition to the beach for the remainder of the event.

Course Details

The beach portion of the race spans either 19 or 39 miles, depending on the chosen distance. This section consists of running on the sand between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. The route offers views of the Frying Pan Shoals to the east and the marshlands of the Cape Fear River to the west. This natural setting includes the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and the Cape Fear region.

The final route is subject to approval from government agencies and may change based on environmental factors or permit requirements from the Village of Bald Head Island and the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management.

Location and Access

Bald Head Island is located near Southport and Wilmington, North Carolina. The nearest major airport is in Wilmington, which is less than one hour away, while Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, serves as an alternative travel option. Registration for the event closes in mid-March. Policies state that entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.