Badwater Cape Fear

BADWATER CAPE FEAR

Badwater Cape Fear is an ultrarunning event on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, scheduled for March 20, 2027. The event offers two distance options:

• 50 km: 12 miles on island roads and trails plus one round trip on East Beach.
• 51.4 miles: 12 miles on island roads and trails plus two round trips on East Beach.

The route begins with twelve miles across car free, one lane roads and maritime forest trails on Bald Head Island, then continues along the sandy Atlantic beach between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. The beach sections are remote and largely undeveloped. There are three aid station locations on course that are passed multiple times: at the Bald Head Island Conservancy, a mid beach station, and the Fort Fisher Ranger Station. Aid stations provide water, an electrolyte drink, energy gels, bars, fruit, snacks, and basic supplies but do not provide ibuprofen. Drop bags are available at the Bald Head Island Conservancy checkpoint.

Access to the island is by passenger ferry or private boat only; motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island and most visitors use golf carts. Housing on the island is limited to vacation homes; there are no hotels. Time limits apply: nine hours for the 50 km and fourteen hours for the 51.4 mile distance, with a mandatory intermediate cut off at mile 32. The Bald Head Island Conservancy is the event charity and the race supports its conservation work. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.