Route
The NCUM is a counter-clockwise circumnavigation, starting and finishing at the
same location, on the beach at Cedar Island, to the east of the ferry dockage at
WP1

The race start is on the grounds of the Driftwood Campground and Motel, with plenty
of parking. The beach start and finish to the right of the Public Wildlife boat
ramp is tidal, and shallow (see photo above). Larger boats can launch at the boat
ramp into a small jettied inlet before heading out to the right and landing on the
start beach just around a breakwater point. Kayaks and canoes can be easily hand
carried to the beach from the temporary parking area at the boat ramp. Boats may
be left above the high tide line on Friday night for the Saturday morning start.



NOTE: If you arrive late, you may still participate. Race officials will be at the
starting line for at least one hour after the official start. As long as you complete
gear inspection and check in with a race official before you launch you can still
be in the race. Your time however, will not be adjusted for a late start.

|
Waypoint
|
Race
|
Location
|
Lat/Lon
|
|
WP1
|
NCC / NCUM
|
Start/Finish Beach
|
N35 01.053
W76 18.697
|
|
WP2
|
NCUM
|
Old Canal
|
N34 58.037
W76 29.279
|
|
WP3
|
NCUM
|
Thorofare Canal
|
N34 56.111
W76 22.948
|
|
WP4
|
NCC
Not Shown Above
|
Clubfoot Creek
|
N34 55.007
W76 45.438
|
|
WP5
|
NCC
Not Shown Above
|
Beaufort CP
|
N34 42.904
W76 39.754
|
Note: The table includes waypoints for both the North Carolina Challenge (NCC)
and the North Carolina Ultra Marathon (NCUM). The photo only shows the
waypoints for the NCUM.
The route (above) follows the coast around Cedar Island to the North and West into
the Neuse River, crossing West Bay, and around Piney Island. The circumnavigation
is made possibly using both the Old Canal thru Piney Island (also known as Indian
Ditch) entrance waypoint WP2, and the Thorofare Canal thru Cedar
Island (often shortened to Ther’fer in the local lingo), entrance waypoint WP3. Both are narrow yet marked navigable canals. These NC canals have a
unique history of being originally hand dug by American Indians, then continued
and maintained by African slaves who were the primary inheritors of Native knowledge
of local fisheries, waterways and techniques. There is one tall bridge between Thorfare
Canal and Thorofare Bay that is easily passed under.
Beyond the general route description above, participants should provide their own
routing and navigation needs to complete their challenge.
Charts:
TOPSPOT Chart N 239 Pamlico Sound To Morehead City Inshore - recommended
Please take note that the UM route is primarily an undeveloped and remote area.
Piney Island is a military training facility and target range (though bombing simulations
are now recorded and scored electronically via computers to lessen the environmental
impact). There are restricted areas marked on the chart on both the outside and
inside of Piney Island.
Cedar Island is also home to the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge, providing
habitat and protection for endangered species such as American alligators and brown
pelicans, and provides habitat and protection for migratory waterfowl and other
waterbirds. Though not marked on the charts, these areas are well marked with signs
prohibiting landings and camping.
Weather:
Weather and sea conditions including current and historical data can be obtained
at
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NC/Cedar_Island.html.
|