Cape Fear Marathon & Half, presented by Mount to Coast and hosted by Badwater® 2026

The race.

The Cape Fear Marathon & Half Marathon takes place on October 18, 2026, on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, offering 26.2-mile and 13.1-mile distances. The race starts at 10:00 a.m. at Old Baldy Lighthouse and finishes near the marina at the wooden bridge crossing. The 13.1-mile course includes one 0.75-mile beach segment around Cape Fear, while the 26.2-mile course includes three beach segments totaling 2.2 miles, with the remainder on island roads. Three aid stations are positioned along the route. The half marathon has a 4-hour time limit; the marathon has a 7-hour limit. Packet pickup occurs on October 17 from 6:00–7:00 p.m. and October 18 from 8:30–9:30 a.m. at Jules' Salty Grub. All entrants receive a tote bag, bib with number, Road ID, tri-blend t-shirt, hat, and buff. The Bald Head Island Conservancy serves as the charitable partner.