Badwater Cape Fear

Event overview

Badwater Cape Fear is an ultramarathon on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, scheduled for March 21, 2026. The event offers two distance options:

• 50 km
• 51.4-mile

All runners begin together and run an initial warm-up across the island before continuing on the beach between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. The 50 km course includes the island warm-up plus one out-and-back on East Beach (about 19 miles of beach running). The 51.4-mile course includes the island warm-up plus two out-and-backs on East Beach (about 38 miles of beach running).

Route and support

The route starts at the foot of the Old Baldy Lighthouse and uses car-free roads and maritime forest trails on Bald Head Island before moving onto long stretches of sandy beach along the Atlantic seaboard. Aid is provided at three fixed locations, which are passed multiple times depending on distance. Aid stations supply water, an endurance drink, gels, electrolyte capsules, fruit, snacks, and basic supplies; toilets are available at some checkpoints. Personal drop bags are accessible at the Bald Head Island Conservancy checkpoint.

Logistics and rules

Bald Head Island is reachable only by passenger ferry or private boat; motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island and rental properties include golf carts. There are no hotels on the island; lodging is via vacation homes and cottages. Time limits apply: nine hours for the 50 km and 14 hours for the 51.4-mile, with an intermediate eight-hour cut-off at mile 32. Runners must progress under their own power, may not receive outside assistance except at specified checkpoints, and are subject to drug testing. The Bald Head Island Conservancy is the event charity, with a fundraising goal of $10,000. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.