The BADWATER® ultra running experience returns to the (B)east Coast when the seventh BADWATER CAPE FEAR race takes place on Bald Head Island, North Carolina on March 21, 2020.
With 50km and 51-mile race options, Badwater® Cape Fear features a twelve-mile warm-up on the car-free, one-lane-wide roads and trails of Bald Head Island, followed by either 19 or 38 miles of running on the wild and secluded sandy beach between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. The race is held along the Atlantic Seaboard with spectacular views of the Frying Pan Shoals to the east and wild and undeveloped marshlands to the west. Running this remote coast is a dramatic, invigorating, and inspiring manner in which to experience the Cape Fear region in all its grandeur*!
This exquisite natural setting is the perfect antidote to the “real world” and a wonderful counterpart to the desert sands and mountains of Death Valley and Anza-Borrego Desert featured in the two West Coast BADWATER® races.
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 Delta and US Airways service. (Flying into Myrtle Beach, SC is another convenient option.) Due to the remarkable beauty and quaint southern charm of this area, as well as this impeccable, authentic BADWATER race experience, many Badwater Cape Fear participants are now making this race an annual pilgrimage!
To Register or for More Information Visit Badwater.com
Schedule:
Thursday, March 19
530-800pm: If you’ll be on the island the Thursday prior to the race, here’s a fun and interesting way to learn more about the area’s ecosystem, and eat well! Join this dinner and presentation hosted by the Bald Head Island Conservancy and the Bald Head Island Club:
“Shark Cam: Exploring the Diversity and Behavior of Fishes at Frying Pan Tower with Underwater Video”
Dinner Menu: Caesar Salad, Chicken Marsala, Linguini, Asparagus, Cheesecake
$17 per person and space is limited. Must RSVP by noon on March 15: Call 910-457-7300
Friday, March 20
900am: Coffee / Breakfast Meet-Up at Maritime Market (no host; located mid-island). Come meet, or reconnect, with fellow Badwater family members while enjoying good drinks and food! There’s no better way, or place, to start the day!
Afternoon Suggestion: Climb to the top of Old Baldy Lighthouse. (The race will start at its foot.)
300-500pm: Racer Check-In at Bald Head Island Conservancy: Racer Mugshots, Goodie Bags, Sign Waivers, etc.
ALSO 300-500pm: Social Mixer for runners, staff, family, and friends – also at the Bald Head Island Conservancy. We will serve beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks. (Held concurrent with Racer Check-In.)
600pm onwards: $10 Pasta Feed at Mojo’s on the Harbor (no host; just mention Badwater.)
Saturday, March 21
337am: High Tide
600am (recommended) or 700am (risky): Runners not staying on Bald Head Island must depart via ferry from Deep Water Marina in Southport. (Ferries depart hourly from SPT to BHI on the hour from 600am to 1100pm on Saturdays.)
620am: Sandpiper Coffee at Bald Head Marina opens extra early just for the runners and race fans coming over on the 600am ferry! Stop in for java and treats!
656am: Morning Twilight (First light in sky)
715am: Late Check-In at the start line for runners who did not come over on Friday to do so. (BUT PLEASE only check-in Saturday if absolutely necessary!)
721am: Sunrise
725am: 700am ferry from Southport arrives; it is a ten-minute walk from the ferry to the race start line at the lighthouse. Hurry!
745am: Race starts at Old Baldy Lighthouse
915am: First runners pass the 12-mile mark at BHIC.
1025am: Low Tide
1155am (app.): First runners return to BHIC at 50km mark
230pm (app.): First 51.4-mile finishers
345pm: Mandatory Cut-Off for 51.4-mile finishers to depart BHIC at mile 32 for their second loop to and from Fort Fisher
422pm: High Tide
445pm: Mandatory Cut-Off for Officially Finishing the 50km Race (9 hour time limit)
719pm: Sunset
745pm: Evening Twilight (Last light in sky)
945pm: 51.4-mile Race Course Closes at BHIC (14 hour time limit)
1031pm: Low Tide
1130pm: Final ferry departure from Bald Head Island. (Ferries depart hourly from BHI to SPT on the half hour from 630am to 1130pm on Saturdays.)
Sunday, March 22
830-1000am: Breakfast Buffet at Maritime Market: Breakfast is complimentary for all registered 51mi/50km racers and all official volunteers, and available for $12 to all family and friends of runners. EVERYONE, PLEASE ATTEND!
