Badwater Cape Fear
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Badwater Cape Fear
Badwater Cape Fear is an ultrarunning event on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, featuring a mixed route of island roads, maritime forest trails, and extensive beach running along the Atlantic Seaboard between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. The course begins on the island and includes a twelve-mile section on car-free one-lane roads and trails, followed by long out-and-back beach segments.
Distances:
- 50 km - 12 miles on island roads and trails, then one round-trip on East Beach
- 51.4 miles - 12 miles on island roads and trails, then two round-trips on East Beach
The race uses three aid station locations that are passed multiple times: water, endurance drink mixes, gels, electrolytes, basic food (bananas, bars, cookies, chips), pickles and pickle juice, ginger ale, and other runner supplies. Toilets are available at some aid stations; one aid station serves as Race HQ and the finish area and provides access to personal drop bags at several mile points. Medical support and ambulance service are provided on the island and along the course.
Bald Head Island is reachable only by passenger ferry or private boat; motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island and rental properties commonly include golf carts. The event is held under special use permits and the final route may be subject to change. Awards include a belt buckle for full 51.4-mile finishers and a medal for 50 km finishers, plus race apparel and a cupless cup. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
