HalfRuns
Take the Lake

Take the Lake

Take the Lake celebrates 15 years of community strength around North Carolina's largest freshwater lake.

Race Date

Sep 5, 2026

Location

Lake Waccamaw, NC

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Location
Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, Take the Lake - 16 Mile - Bike 🚲 and Hike 🥾 (14 mile bike and 2 mile hike through the state park)
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Beginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishWell OrganizedGreat Post Race

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The "Take the Lake" half-marathon, now in its 15th year, has become a cherished tradition around North Carolina's expansive Lake Waccamaw. Since its inception in 2009, the race has aimed to celebrate personal health and honor local endurance traditions, embodying the spirit of "Columbus County Strong."

The event kicks off with a community spaghetti dinner, "Take the Plate," supporting local church programs and serving as a vibrant prelude to race day. Runners can anticipate a course that showcases the natural beauty of the region, with the vastness of Lake Waccamaw as a constant backdrop. The event also aligns with America 250 celebrations, reflecting on perseverance and community.

This race is more than just a 21.1km run; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of its community, drawing participants who appreciate its local charm and the dedication that has fueled it for over a decade.

Race-provided description

Welcome to the 15th Take the Lake When we look out across Lake Waccamaw, we see more than just a beautiful lake and scarlet sunsets — we see a community that has spent 15 years proving what it means to be "Columbus County Strong." Take the Lake started in 2009 (with a break after COVID) with a simple goal to celebrate personal health and honor the endurance traditions of Lee J. Greer and Grant Egley. Today, as we prepare for our 15th anniversary, we are so proud to carry on the vision of our founding organizers: Grant Egley • Bob Eplee • Frank Gault • Mark Gilchrist • Lee J. Greer • J.B. Lee • Julie Stocks • Johnny McNeill We are kicking off this milestone weekend on Friday night, September 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lake Waccamaw Methodist Church. Join us for "Take the Plate," a wonderful community spaghetti dinner where you can also pick up your race packets. Proceeds support the church's community programs, so come hungry and help us launch the festivities! As we celebrate our own milestone this year, we’re also excited to team up with Columbus County and the Columbus County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism to help mark America 250. There’s truly no better place to reflect on the American spirit of perseverance and community than right here at the Lake. From those early days when we first gathered to give a voice to local health challenges to seeing our county climb all the way to 46th in the state rankings, your energy and participation have truly moved the needle for all of us. We want to give a huge shout-out to the Town of Lake Waccamaw, Lake Waccamaw State Park, our first responders, and the countless volunteers and sponsors, including FullSend Racing, who make this weekend possible. Most of all, we want to thank you for being the heartbeat of this tradition for 15 wonderful years. Let’s make this our best year yet. See you at the Lake! — The Take the Lake Steering Committee

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Start Location

Lake Waccamaw, Lake Waccamaw, NC, 28450

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Lake River, Rural

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

3.1 MilesTake the Lake - 16 Mile - Bike 🚲 and Hike 🥾 (14 mile bike and 2 mile hike through the state park)

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details3/15

3 timing sources

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather0/10

typical high 85°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

68°

Afternoon (High)

85°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.1"

Precipitation

8 mph

Wind

76%

Humidity

Frequently asked

When is the Take the Lake?

The Take the Lake is held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Take the Lake take place?

It takes place in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina.

What distances does the Take the Lake offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, Take the Lake - 16 Mile - Bike 🚲 and Hike 🥾 (14 mile bike and 2 mile hike through the state park).

Is the Take the Lake course flat and good for a PR?

The Take the Lake is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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