Cape Fear Marathon
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Event details
The Cape Fear Marathon & Half is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026 on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. The race is presented by Mount to Coast and hosted by Badwater and is the event's second edition. Distances offered:
- 26.2 miles (marathon)
- 13.1 miles (half marathon)
Course and support
Both races take place entirely on Bald Head Island, using car-free, one-lane roads and a beach stretch around Cape Fear. The start line is at Old Baldy lighthouse and the finish is near the marina end of the wooden bridge behind Jules Salty Grub. Half-marathoners run one and a half laps of the island, including a 0.75-mile sand section; marathoners run three laps and three beach circuits for about 2.2 miles of sand plus roughly 24 miles on island roads. There are three aid station locations on the route. The event is cupless, so runners will receive a Badwater race cup and are advised to carry personal hydration. Time limits are 4 hours for the half and 7 hours for the marathon.
Logistics, swag, and policies
Participants must arrange their own travel and ferry transport to Bald Head Island. The event address is 101 Light House Wynd, Bald Head Island, NC 28461. All entrants receive a tote with race bib, shirt, hat, buff, race cup, and other items; finishers receive a medal. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable; no refunds or credits will be given if the event is canceled for pandemic, hurricane, or other force majeure. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.