Badwater Cape Fear

Southport, United States • 21 Mar 2026

Event overview and route

BADWATER CAPE FEAR is an ultrarunning event on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, held on March 21, 2026. Runners share a common initial segment of about twelve miles on the island roads and maritime forest trails, then continue on the Atlantic beach between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. The two official distance options are:

  • 50 km (about 32 miles total, including a single out-and-back on the beach)
  • 51.4 miles (including two out-and-back beach legs)

The beach segment covers roughly 19 miles for the 50 km option and roughly 38 miles for the 51.4-mile option. The course runs along undeveloped coastline with views of Frying Pan Shoals and Cape Fear River marshlands. The route and final details are subject to permit approvals by local and state agencies.

Logistics, support and rules

The island is reached only by passenger ferry or private boat; motorized vehicles are not allowed on Bald Head Island and most rental properties provide golf carts. There are three aid station locations on the course, visited multiple times depending on distance. Aid station supplies include water, Tailwind drink, energy gels, electrolyte capsules, bars, fruit, salty snacks, pickles and basic supplies; ibuprofen is not provided. Personal drop bags are available at the Bald Head Island Conservancy checkpoint. Medical support includes ambulance and EMS/ranger coverage on the course. The event’s official charity is the Bald Head Island Conservancy, with an annual fundraising goal of $10,000. Awards include a belt buckle for 51.4-mile finishers and a medal for 50 km finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

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

Join the Monster Dash 5K at Carolina Beach State Park on October 18, 2025 to celebrate Great State Trails Day. Tackle scenic trails, enjoy coastal views, and support programs for young runners in a fun community run.

Event overview The 16 Hour Lock-In is a 16-hour timed event at Carolina Beach State Park in Carolina Beach, North Carolina on November 22–23, 2025. Participants run a 4.5-mile loop as many times as they choose within the 16-hour period. The..

The SOHO-HO AND AWAY WE GO! is a festive running event held at Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. Scheduled for December 13, 2025, it features a 5K race and a 1-mile fun run. The course is a Christmas-themed trail with..

Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon & 5K is a trail race held in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, staged at American Legion Post #129. The event offers a Half Marathon (two laps) and a 5K on rolling, pine-laced single-track trails..

The Southern Tour Ultra, held in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a multi-distance ultramarathon event featuring a 100-mile individual race, a 50-mile individual race, a 50K, and a 50-mile age-graded relay. The course consists of multiple 10-..