Location:
Cape Fear, Bald Head Island, NC
Weather:
60° F partly sunny. Light breeze – 15-20+ mph head wind coming from the south end of the cape.
The Course:
About 12 miles of paved roads around the island.
About 1 mile of lush, single track trail.
38.2 miles of beach.
My Stats:
OF: 13:09:00
Cutoff time was 14 hours.
Overall: 94 GP: 30
My Gear:
Black Diamond headlamp; buff; hat; Altra KingMT shoes and gators; UD pack.
The Race:
Badwater Cape Fear 51 miler! – Or what I call the baby Badwater (compared to the other longer Badwater races, Salton Sea and 135).
I can’t say enough good things about this race, it was very well orchestrated; the race director, Chris Kostman (World’s Toughest) and volunteers went above and beyond to make the day epic!
The runners were crazy athletic and inspiring throughout the journey. We all cheered one another on, as we rode the struggle bus.
Starting out, we ran on road, and then a short trail section (about 1 mile), and lastly, the beach. 38.2 miles being on the beach.
My husband and I ran side by side for the majority of the day. We enjoyed the company and shared experience.
While on the beach, there were 20+ mph headwinds for 20 miles. Not to mention when it was high tide, we were forced to either run near the water (avoid the waves or get your feet wet) or the soft sand. We had a non-strategized run/walk to cope with Mother Nature.
During the final 5 miles of the day, we needed our headlamps to guide our way down the beach. We raced heat lightening, which was slightly terrifying because I have a big fear of lightning and storms.
Chris Kostman presented us with our buckles and we had our finish line photo taken.
Two thumbs up for Cape Fear!
I didn’t actually know anyone or have friends who ran Badwater before this day, but once I earned my buckle, I joined a family.
Race reports
Badwater Cape Fear 51.4 Miler Personal Highlights and Having a Blast 03/17/2018
Badwater Cape Fear 2019 and 18 Weeks Pregnant (03/16/19)
Badwater 267 Virtual Race: Multi-Sport Division Race Report 2025
OSS/CIA 50 Mile Night Run Race Report (6/9-10/2018)
The Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee 1000 KM & 2000 KM
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