Badwater Cape Fear 2026

The Badwater® ultra running experience returns to the East Coast on March 21, 2026, as the 12th annual Badwater Cape Fear ultramarathon takes place on Bald Head Island and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, North Carolina. Since its inception in 2014, the race has raised over $160,000 for the Bald Head Island Conservancy, helping to support conservation efforts on the island.

A Challenging and Scenic Course

With 50km and 51.4-mile race options, the event is a true test of endurance. Runners begin with a twelve-mile warm-up through the car-free, one-lane roads and maritime forest trails of Bald Head Island. From there, the race continues onto the secluded sandy beaches between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, where athletes will push through either 19 or 38 miles of shoreline running.

The course is one of the most breathtaking in ultra running, featuring stunning views of the Frying Pan Shoals to the east and the Cape Fear River marshlands to the west. This race is an opportunity to experience the untamed beauty of this barrier island while challenging the limits of physical and mental endurance.

A Global Competition

Approximately 190 runners from seven countries and 33 U.S. states and territories will take on the course in 2026. Among them, 59 runners from North Carolina, including 29 from the greater Cape Fear region, will represent their home state.

Since 2014, a total of 1,808 runners from 25 countries and 47 U.S. states and territories have participated in the event. The race has seen competitors from nations as diverse as Argentina, Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, the UK and many more.

Notable Participants

Bob Becker (80, Florida) - The race's oldest competitor and a eleven-time finisher.

Gerald Tabios (56, New York) - Another eleven-time finisher returning for 2026.

Suzanne Tulsey (North Carolina) - Seven-time winner from near by nearby Oak Island.

The Inspiration Behind the Race

AdventureCORPS Race Director Chris Kostman was first drawn to Bald Head Island after seeing it in the Nicholas Sparks movie Safe Haven in 2013. Inspired by the beauty of Southport, Bald Head Island, Fort Fisher, and the entire Cape Fear region, he knew it was the perfect location for an ultramarathon.

"Bald Head Island is one-of-a-kind, the energy at Cape Fear is palpable, and when have you ever seen a 10-mile-long beach with an ocean on one side and a river on the other?" said Kostman. This dramatic setting, along with dedicated local partners, allows for a truly unique and challenging race experience.

Giving Back to the Island

The Official Charity of Badwater Cape Fear is the Bald Head Island Conservancy, a leader in barrier island conservation, preservation and education. Race participants and supporters are encouraged to donate and help protect this pristine setting and vital sea turtle nesting site. AdventureCORPS has contributed over $150,000 to the Conservancy since 2014, further strengthening the bond between the race and the island.

According to Chris Shank, Executive Director of the BHI Conservancy, "Badwater has been a wonderful supporter of the Bald Head Island Conservancy for a decade through generous sponsorships and magnanimous donations from racers. It is an annual highlight for the Conservancy and for all of Bald Head Island!"

Race Partners and Volunteers

The event is made possible through special event permits from the Village of Bald Head Island, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, and the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management. Additionally, a dedicated team of volunteers, Bald Head Island Public Safety Officers and North Carolina State Park Rangers, work together to ensure a safe and successful event.

Sister Race

In October 2024, AdventureCORPS launched the Cape Fear Marathon & Half Marathon, a new sister race to Badwater Cape Fear. This event features 13.1- and 26.2-mile courses, starting at the Old Baldy Lighthouse and taking runners through Bald Head Island’s stunning landscapes. The next edition takes place on October 18, 2026.

Join the Adventure

📅 Event Date: March 21, 2026
📍 Location: Bald Head Island & Fort Fisher, NC
🌎 Follow the journey with #BadwaterCapeFear #BaldHeadIsland #UltraRunning #CapeFear

For official event details, results and more, visit the Badwater Cape Fear Website.

Published by Teri Kelly
Tuesday, March 17, 2026