The World's Toughest

Badwater Cape Fear

Bald Head Island, NC

March 23 -

Schedule of Events

Schedule of Events

All events and locations are on Bald Head Island, NC. 

(All times in 24-Hour / Military Time)

Friday, March 21:
0900: No Host Coffee Meet-Up at Midway Coffee (Inside Jailhouse Provisions at 251 Edward Teach Ext, Bald Head Island, NC 28461: basically a block south of Maritime Market.) Come meet, or reconnect, with fellow Badwater family members while enjoying coffee, various breakfast toasts, acai bowls, and more.
Suggestions for Today: Climb to the top of Old Baldy Lighthouse. (The race will start at its foot.) Attend a program hosted by or at the Bald Head Island Conservancy.
1500-1800: Racer Check-In and Social Mixer Held at the Bald Head Island Conservancy: Racer Mugshots, Bibs and Goodie Bags distributed, Badwater Gear Retail, and a fun social event! Location: 700 Federal Road (far eastern end of the island). Beer, non-alcoholic drinks, fruit, cheese, crackers, and other snacks will be served.
1925: Sunset
Evening: We recommend dinner at Jules Salty Grub on the Bald Head Island Marina. See all dining options here but note that not all are open in March.

Saturday, March 22:
0127: High Tide (4.19ft.)
0600 (recommended) or 0700 (risky): Runners staying on the mainland must depart via ferry from Deep Water Marina in Southport. (Ferries depart hourly from SPT to BHI on the hour from 0600am to 2300 on Saturdays- but they often run late!)
0620: 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!
0648: Morning Twilight (First light in sky)
0713: Sunrise
0715: 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!)
0725: The 0700 ferry from Southport arrives (IF on schedule); it is a 5-minute (.3-mile) walk from the ferry to the race start line at the lighthouse. Hurry!
0745: Race starts at Old Baldy Lighthouse
0814: Low Tide (0.87 ft.)
0915 (app.): First runners pass the 12-mile mark at BHIC and head onto the beach.
1030 (app.): Last runners pass the 12-mile mark at BHIC and head onto the beach.
1200 Noon (app.): First runners return to BHIC at 50km mark
1345: High Tide (2.79 ft.)
1430 (app.): First 51.4-mile finishers
1545: Mandatory Cut-Off for 51.4-mile finishers to depart BHIC at mile 32 for their second beach trek (8-hour time limit)
1645: Mandatory Cut-Off for Officially Finishing the 50km Race (9-hour time limit)
1926: Sunset
1941: Low Tide (0.61 ft.)
1951: Evening Twilight (Last light in sky)
2145: 51.4-mile Race Course Closes at BHIC (14-hour time limit)
2330: Final ferry departure from Bald Head Island. (Ferries depart hourly from BHI to SPT on the half hour from 0630 to 2330 on Saturdays – but they often run late.)
0231 Sunday: High Tide (4.22 ft.)

Sunday Suggestions: Enjoy a program at the Bald Head Island Conservancy, climb to the top of Old Baldy Lighthouse, lay on the beach, go swimming, paddling, or kite surfing, cruise the island on a beach cruiser, shop at the Conservancy’s “Turtle Central” store, relax!

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