Labor Day Weekend saw the "Take the Lake" events at Lake Waccamaw State Park. There was a 15 mile run on Sat, a 15 mile bike ride on Sun, a 14 mile paddle around the lake on Sun, and a 4 mile swim across the lake on Mon. This year, any of the above events were FREE to participants! Thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers for putting these events on!!!
We only went out for the run, but maybe next year I will get my act together and arrange for an escort boat and participate in the swim.
The run was a fairly "casual" affair. No chip timing or other "technicalities" here. The idea of all the Take the Lake events is for them to be a personal endurance challenge, which in the end is what this is all about anyway right?
I got started a little behind the crowd, as I was running my mouth (go figure!) with some friends, across the parking lot, when they started the run. So, I just started following / making my way through the "herd". The run takes you out the access road to the State Park and through the town of Lake Waccamaw. I took the lead about 2 miles in and was grateful for the police escort, as my one complaint would be that the course was not marked. Luckily, the police officer knew where I was supposed to be going :)
You are encouraged to bring a water bottle, but except for the last 4 miles, the course is very well supported. The people of Lake Waccamaw set up their own aid stations, which seemed to be on every block. Everyone that I encountered was extremely nice and the run really showcased how wonderful the people are over there!
The last 4 miles of the run take you back into Lake Waccamaw State Park via dirt trails. There are plenty of cypress knees ready to trip the unsuspecting runner and some sections of soft sand. However, I would not rate it as overly technical, you just can't be doing too much sight seeing or you'll find yourself face to face with a cypress knee.
The finish takes you back to the State Park Visitors Center, assuming you make the correct turns. Overall a good time. Oh, and I did see a gator while I was out there!!!
Andrea and Leanne after the run
Finishing the run
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