The 16 Hour Lock-in

The 16 Hour Lock-In at Carolina Beach State Park

The event is a 16-hour endurance race held at Carolina Beach State Park near Wilmington, North Carolina. Participants run a 4.5-mile loop as many times as they choose. The course is in a coastal maritime forest, with groomed, wide, relatively flat trails and two hills that add about 100 feet of climb per loop. Surfaces include dirt, sand, pine straw, roots, and a short section of road. Each lap returns to the start/finish area where personal gear, bathrooms, and an aid station are available.

The park gate closes in the evening, so anyone remaining inside must camp overnight or be picked up outside the park entrance. A headlamp is required for running after dark. All racers must bring a refillable hydration vessel. The aid station provides water, Tailwind, a range of salty, sweet, and savory snacks, and two hot meals during the event; a vegan option is offered when possible. Littering leads to disqualification.

Camping, awards, and volunteering

Group campsite space at the start/finish is limited to 30 spots with a paid camping upgrade. The upgrade includes a 10 x 10 personal area, an overnight car pass, and primitive, walk-in campsites with pit latrines; no water, power, or generators are provided. The state park campground is also available nearby, less than one mile from the course.

Recognized race distances and participant items:

• 13.1 miles
• 26.2 miles
• 50k
• 50 miles
• 100k

Each finisher may choose one patch for a recognized distance completed. All participants receive a race hoodie; sizes are guaranteed for entries made before the stated cutoff. Top three finishers by total miles are awarded in male, female, and non-binary divisions. Volunteers receive a shirt and priority registration; night-shift volunteers receive free camping. A pacer program is available for racer companions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.