Badwater Cape Fear

Badwater Cape Fear - Bald Head Island, NC

Badwater Cape Fear takes place on March 20, 2027 on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. The event offers two distances: a 50 km option and a 51.4 mile option.

• 50 km (32 miles) includes 12 miles on island roads and one beach out-and-back.
• 51.4 miles (approx.) includes 12 miles on island roads and two beach out-and-backs.

The route begins with about twelve miles on car-free, one-lane roads and maritime forest trails across Bald Head Island, then continues along the Atlantic seaboard on sandy East Beach between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. Runners pass views of the Frying Pan Shoals to the east and Cape Fear River marshlands to the west. The beach sections total roughly 19 miles for the 50 km and 38 miles for the 51.4 mile course.

Logistics note that Bald Head Island is reachable only by passenger ferry or private boat and that motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island; most rental properties include golf carts and ferry tram delivery to lodgings. The start area is near the marina and ferry; the finish is about three miles across the island from the ferry terminal.

Support includes three aid station locations passed multiple times, ambulance and EMS/ranger support, personal drop bag access at the Bald Head Island Conservancy checkpoint, and finish line food. Entry items include a race shirt, hat, sunglasses, tote backpack, cupless cup, and awards: a medal for 50 km finishers and a belt buckle for official 51.4 mile finishers. The 50 km has a nine hour time limit; the 51.4 mile has a fourteen hour time limit with a mandatory intermediate cut at mile 32. Final route details are subject to approval by local agencies and permit conditions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.