Take the Lake
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Take the Lake - 15th anniversary
Take the Lake is a three-day community multi-sport event held at Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, from September 5 to September 7, 2026. The weekend features running, biking, paddling, swimming, rucking, and hiking options around the lake and nearby state park. The program includes multiple distance choices and activities organized across the three days.
The weekend opens with a Friday night community spaghetti dinner called "Take the Plate" at Lake Waccamaw Methodist Church, where participants may pick up race packets; proceeds support the church's community programs. The event is presented in collaboration with Columbus County and the Columbus County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, and involves the Town of Lake Waccamaw, Lake Waccamaw State Park, first responders, volunteers, and local sponsors.
Distances and event types include:
- 3.1 miles - 5K run or walk
- 16 miles - walk, run, or ruck
- 14 miles - paddle
- 16 miles - out-and-back bike ride
- 16 miles - bike and hike (14 mile bike plus 2 mile hike)
- 4 miles - swim
Event formats combine road and trail sections, on-water paddling, and open-water swimming within the lake and park setting. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.