Cape Fear Marathon and Half Marathon returning to Bald Head Island in October

Bald Head Island, NC (WWAY) — Runners from across North Carolina and around the country are expected on Bald Head Island next month for the third Cape Fear Marathon and Half Marathon.

The races are scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18, with both distances beginning at 10 a.m. near Old Baldy Lighthouse.

Organized by AdventureCORPS, the event offers a 26.2-mile marathon and 13.1-mile half marathon. Both courses are entirely on Bald Head Island, using the island’s roads and a section of beach near Cape Fear.

The finish line will be near the Timber Bridge at Bald Head Island Marina.

Organizers say registration is limited to 180 runners and will remain open through Oct. 10 or until the participant limit is reached. As of the announcement, 124 registered runners were from North Carolina, with others traveling from more than 20 states.

The marathon has a seven-hour time limit, while runners in the half marathon will have four hours to complete the course. Three aid station locations will be available along the route.

The Bald Head Island Conservancy is the event’s designated charity. AdventureCORPS says it has made or facilitated more than $165,000 in donations to the conservancy since 2014.

The Village of Bald Head Island is providing support for the event through its Public Safety and Public Works departments.