Description:

AdventureCORPS® – the organizers of the iconic worldwide series of Badwater® races – are pleased to present the Cape Fear Marathon & Half Marathon on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, now in its second year. This is the home of fabled and legendary Cape Fear, and the home to our annual Badwater Cape Fear ultramarathon – now in its 13th year – the “(B)east Coast” counterpart to our two California-based ultramarathon races, Badwater Salton Sea and Badwater 135. The 3rd Cape Fear Marathon & Half will take place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, with a 1000am start time, and a 7-hour cut-off for the marathon and 4 hours for the half. Registration is open now at RunSignUp.com.

With 26.2 and 13.1-mile race options, Cape Fear Marathon and Half Marathon take places entirely on Bald Head Island and its car-free, one-lane-wide roads, plus a short but spectacular stretch on the beach around Cape Fear herself. The start line is located at Old Baldy, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, while another main checkpoint will be located at the Bald Head Island Conservancy, our local charitable partner. Direct from the finish line, runners and volunteers will be treated to a burger and drinks party at Jules’ Salty Grub right on the Bald Head Island Marina.

Essentially, half-marathoners will do one and a half laps of the island, with one .75-mile sand stretch around Cape Fear, while full marathoners will do three laps of the island and three trips around Cape Fear for a total of 2.25 miles of beach running. There will be three aid station locations along the race route, which is more than adequate, BUT this is an adventure marathon in a remote location, so carrying a hand-held water bottle, waist pack, and/or hydration pack is a must. Additionally, this is a “cupless” race, so carrying the provided Badwater race cup is critical.

SWAG and AWARDS:

All entrants will receive a Badwater tote bag which includes:

– Cape Fear Marathon & Half bib

– A set of our Badwater BibBoards Snap & Lock Bib Fasteners (so you don’t have to use safety pins!)

– Cape Fear Marathon & Half tri-blend t-shirt

– Cape Fear Marathon & Half hat by BOCO Gear

– Badwater race cup as this is a “cupless” race (We also recommend bringing and using a hand-held water bottle)

– Badwater sunglasses

– Badwater Chip Clip

Finishers will receive a Cape Fear Marathon Medal by Maxwell Medals at the finish line.

Additionally, we will host a burger party – FREE for all competitors at Jules’ Salty Grub – on the Bald Head Island Marina, right next to the finish line! This includes a hamburger or bean burger and a beer or non-alcoholic drink.

Those who complete Badwater Cape Fear (50km or 51mi) and Cape Fear Marathon (26.2 or 13.1) in the same calendar year will receive an additional special award.

LOCATION and TRAVEL:

Bald Head Island and nearby Southport, NC (featured in the film “Safe Haven”) are ideal vacation get-away spots for the entire family, located less than one hour from Wilmington, NC and its major airport with American, United, and Delta service. (Flying into Myrtle Beach, SC is another convenient option.) Runners will enjoy the remarkable beauty and quaint southern charm of this area, as well as this impeccable and one of a kind race experience, no doubt making this race an annual pilgrimage!