The 16 Hour Lock-in

The 16 Hour Lock-In : Carolina Beach State Park

The 16 Hour Lock-In is an endurance event held at Carolina Beach State Park in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. Participants have 16 hours to complete a 4.5 mile loop as many times as they wish. The event is a no DNF format, so runners may stop or continue around the loop according to their own goals. The course direction for this year is clockwise.

The trail is a coastal maritime forest route with groomed, wide and relatively flat trails. Each loop includes two hills with about 100 feet of climb, and surfaces of dirt, sand, pine straw, roots and a short section of road with a grass option. The loop returns through the start/finish area where personal gear, bathrooms, and an aid station are accessible.

Aid station offerings include water, Tailwind, salty and sweet snacks, and two hot meals provided during the event. The race is cup free; all participants must bring a refillable hydration vessel. Headlamps or similar lights are required for anyone running past 5:30 pm.

Camping is limited. There are 30 group campsite spots adjacent to the race area that include a 10 x 10 personal space, primitive facilities, and an overnight car pass. The park also has a family campground less than one mile away for RV, tent, and cabin camping.

Recognized finish distances:

• 13.1 miles
• 26.2 miles
• 50 kilometers
• 50 miles
• 100 kilometers

All participants receive event apparel. Patches and a buckle are awarded for certain finishing distances. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.