Take the Lake
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Take the Lake - Lake Waccamaw, NC
Take the Lake is a multi-day community event held at Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, running from September 5 to September 7, 2026. This edition marks the 15th running of the event, which began in 2009 with a pause after the COVID period. The event celebrates personal health and local endurance traditions.
Packet pickup and a community spaghetti dinner called Take the Plate occur on the evening before the main dates at Lake Waccamaw Methodist Church; proceeds support the church's community programs. The weekend includes a mix of running, paddling, biking, hiking, rucking, and open-water swimming across multiple course formats.
Distances and formats offered:
- 3.1 miles: 5K run or walk
- 16 miles: run, walk or ruck
- 14 miles: paddle
- 16 miles: bike out and back from Brinkley Park to the dam
- 16 miles: 14 mile bike and 2 mile hike through the state park
- 4 miles: swim
The event notes collaboration with Columbus County and the Columbus County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism to mark America 250. Local partners include the town, Lake Waccamaw State Park, first responders, volunteers, and event sponsors. Registration fees vary; the 5K lists a $10 fee while several other events list no fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
