My husband and I have been trying to get down to join Chris Kostman and his staff at Badwater Cape Fear for a few years, but unfortunate life events kept beating me down. We both did the race in 2017, 2018, and 2019. You can click on my race report links at the end of the article if you care to read about my experiences. We wanted a different experience and to give back to the Badwater family.
It is a fun and unique event. Prepare to be challenged by the sand and weather. This year, about half of the 51.4 milers dropped down to the 50k because the wind was relentless, with gusts around 20 mph. The wind and cold made volunteering tough. I bundled up, wearing several layers. Runners kept moving, so they wore shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops.
We stayed for two days, helping with packet pickup, which was on Friday, and the race, on Saturday. On Sunday, we would have stayed to do inventory, but we had a 10 hour drive home, and needed to pick up our daughter.
Things that I helped out with: putting out and tearing down course signage, packet pickup, being the sweeper on the road portion, setting up and taking down the feather banners, supporting Chris Kostman at the start and finish lines, and anything else he needed.
This was an incredible learning experience. It was not like volunteering at other races, where I had a shift at an aid station, or handed out medals to finishers.
This was full-on involvement and there was really no room for error because it could mess up racers’ experiences.
If you have ever done a Badwater race, then you know that these events are high quality. There is a lot of hard work that staff pours into them. I had a good idea of what I was getting myself into.
As we were driving home, we discussed the weekend, what we learned, and memories. Both of us felt accomplished because the race was a big success.
[You may need to use a laptop or desktop to view the pictures]
Staying on Bald Head Island
The best way to experience this race is to stay on the island. Rent out a house with other runners and hang out. Enjoy the shops, restaurants, and bars that the island offers. Learn about the island history and their conservancy efforts.
Since there is very low light pollution, the stars on a clear night are breathtaking. – This is something that I don’t get to experience at home.
These pictures are from a short run that Stephen and I did before helping to set up packet pickup at the conservancy.
We ran to grab coffee, a blueberry muffin, a cup of fruit, and a scone for breakfast.
And then we went to see the ocean.
We stayed in the race staff house with Chris Kostman and several others. I think that there were 12 of us, but it wasn’t crowded because the house was huge.
Two legends were staying in our house, Bob Becker and Jay Birmingham. I haven’t seen Bob in years and it was my first time meeting Jay. Both are awesome people.
It seemed like we all had a great time.
Setting up packet pickup
Packet pickup is held at the Bald Head Island Conservancy. Once it was all set up for the runners, they filed through. They received their bib and swag bag. Their swag bags (drawstring backpack) included a Badwater chip bag clip, a hat, neck gaiter, shirt, sunglasses, stickers, various goodies, and information on other races.
They could also buy additional Badwater swag, learn more about the course, ask questions, and see the critters living in the tanks that the conservancy was caring for.
Before leaving packet pickup, runners got their mug shot taken while holding their bib.
Afterwards, runners could hang out and go do things around the island.
Race day
Once everything was set up on our end, Chris Kostman asked all of the runners to line up behind the start line, which is next to Old Baldy Lighthouse. He spoke for a little bit, and then my husband sang the national anthem.
Once the race started, I asked for assistance in taking down flags and put them away, and then I drove the golf cart (the only mode of transportation on the island) until I came up on the last runner. I stayed back a ways, so I didn’t stress them out. After a while, it felt like I was stalking him, ha.
When the last two runners turned onto the 1 mile trail section, I met up with Jay Birmingham and Donna M. After chatting with them, I learned that Donna lives in the next township over, so I made a new friend!
It was great to see old friends and make new ones. I saw Brian, who was also at the 2017 race. I finally got to meet Kaylee F. We’ve been at the same races, but we’ve never gotten to talk. I met a lot of awesome people.
I also need to mention the vegan chili that was at the finish line. It is a must have.
When runners finished, Chris congratulated them, presented them with their medal (50k) or buckle (50 miler), and took their picture. It is a special moment finishing a Badwater race.
I especially loved watching runners who were thrilled they finished, some of them teared up. A few of them had doubts about the race, and some pushed themselves further than they have ever gone. I was really happy for them.
On packet pickup day, I actually got to speak with them and answer their questions about ultrarunning. I was glad to be able to help out and encourage them.
In my early days of ultrarunning, people in the Badwater family gave me advice that I still use today.
Like I said in the beginning of this article, volunteering was an incredible experience and was so much more work then volunteering at other ultramarathons. There was a lot to learn, and I’m glad that I did. I’d be down to do it again in the future. My husband and I felt accomplished, and we got what we were looking for out of it.
In the next section, you will find my Badwater Cape Fear race reports and a few other Badwater articles that I wrote. Thanks for reading! Hope to see you at Cape Fear some year!
race reports and other articles
BADWATER 267 Mile Virtual Race Elite Report (04/2021)
BADWATER 135 Crewing, Pacing, and Adventure Photo Gallery (2021)
267 Virtual Race: Multi-Sport Division Race Report 2025
267 Virtual Race Report (2022)
Cape Fear at 18 Weeks Pregnant (03/16/19)
Badwater Cape Fear 51.4 Miler Race Report 03/17/2018
Cape Fear 51.4 Miler 3/20/2017
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