Our Mission

“It’s not a race – it’s an opportunity… for your health!”

Under the following considerations, we the organizers of Take the Lake do hereby engage vigorously in the preparations for this countywide fitness project:

That Americans in general have reached a crisis point of obesity and poor physical fitness.
That North Carolinians, and Columbus Countians in particular, are leaders in obesity, type II diabetes, smoking and other indicators of poor health.
That rural people everywhere live under conditions that discourage integrating exercise and fitness in their lifestyles. For example, with little public transportation, we drive everywhere and seldom walk. We also have fewer resources, such as public pools, gyms, bicycle paths and parks where exercise is encouraged.
That rural people receive little encouragement from their governments to work toward better health, in the way of, for example, exercise facilities and programs.
That Columbus County has few natural resources that encourage vigorous outdoor activities, such as bicycle riding, hiking, mountain climbing, surfing or white water rafting.
That Americans in general, and Columbus Countians in particular, now recognize the benefits of healthful lifestyles and are ready to change theirs for the better.
That an important factor in any fitness program is to set achievable goals. Take the lake has four such goals, that of:

o   Walking (or running) 15 miles
o   Bicycle riding and walking 15 miles
o   Paddling 14 miles
o   Swimming 4 miles

Important notes:

This event is free to the public this year
Participants are encouraged to train and improve health habits for months prior to event
Participants may accept as many of the four Personal Endurance Challenges as they wish
Take the lake is not a race
Take the Lake is not a fundraiser