Badwater Cape Fear

Badwater Cape Fear - Bald Head Island, NC

Badwater Cape Fear is an ultrarunning event scheduled for March 21, 2026, on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. The event offers two distances: a 50 km option and a 51.4-mile option. Both start at the foot of the Old Baldy Lighthouse and share the same initial island section.

The course includes a roughly twelve-mile section on car-free, one-lane roads and maritime forest trails across Bald Head Island, followed by extended out-and-back beach running on East Beach between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. Depending on the distance entered, runners complete either one or two north-south beach out-and-back legs, totaling about 19 or 38 miles of beach running. The route runs along the Atlantic seaboard with views of Frying Pan Shoals to the east and Cape Fear River marshlands to the west.

Logistics: Bald Head Island is reachable only by passenger ferry or private boat; motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island. Aid is provided at three checkpoint locations along the route; these are passed multiple times depending on the distance. Support at aid stations includes water, electrolyte drink, gels, basic food items, and limited medical/EMS presence on the island. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable; a partial rollover credit is available under specified conditions. Final route and permits are subject to approval by local agencies.

Distances Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• 50 km
• 51.4 miles