Take the Lake

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

Join fellow runners on September 5, 2026 for the Take the Lake. It's a fantastic 5K, 25.7K, 22.5K, 6.4K featuring a flat and fast course in Lake Waccamaw.