Take the Lake 2020
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    • About the virtual Walk / Run events
  • Bike Events
    • About the virtual bike events
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    • About the virtual swim
    • Lee J. Greer, the early years
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The Theme of our Campaign...

From the start, we knew we wanted to accomplish only one thing; to motivate Columbus County residents toward healthier lifestyles. We quickly realized that the best way to do this was by having fun! In 2011, we incorporated themes into our marketing campaigns, and the effects have greatly exceeded our expectations. 

Themes actually help us accomplish two goals; First, they make everything more interesting, from the marketing materials to the conversations we have with participants. But, an added bonus is that, each year, it lets a certain group of residents stand proud, and make a special effort to focus on themselves and their own health. Who knows what group will be honored and inspired next year? It can only get more exciting!
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In 2016, we chose Scouting as our theme, and worked with noted Scout leader John McNeill, and liason Ian Hooks to motivate Scouts to join in our quest for fitness.
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In 2015, we honored artists throughout the county, and worked with Columbus County Arts Council Director Sally Mann to encourage artists to create better lifestyles for their physical fitness.
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In 2014, we paid tribute to farmers of Columbus County, and worked with Dalton Dockery of the Columbus County Extension Service, and his staff, who "planted a seed of fitness" throughout the county.
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In 2013, we enjoyed working with then Sheriff Chris Batten to charge law enforcement officers throughout Columbus County to improve their fitness and to motivate others.
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In 2012, we attended the "School of Pain & Gain" as we encouraged teachers to participate in Take the Lake, working with Superintendent Dan Strickland of Columbus County Schools.
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2011 was our first year for themes, and our most patriotic, as we worked with Sherri Blackman of the Columbus County Department of Veterans Services. We were really excited with this new idea, and knew that themes would help make every Take the Lake Training Season more exciting and fun!
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2010 was in the Time Before Themes (TBT), also known as The Boring Times (TBT). I don't know how (or why) I created this poster, but I knew that I would soon need some kind of inspiration to make things interesting, or each year Take the Lake would be as boring as this:
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2009 -- What a crazy year this was! We had no idea how this would turn out.

​After many years, our committee pretty much has most things figured out, (except that we are constantly changing and adding things to keep it interesting,) but in 2009, we needed to invent everything!

​I had this crazy idea that everybody would want to team up in one way or another, and I created this, well, interesting, poster that helped them do just that. I doubt that anyone actually formed teams, but we did have great participation for our first year.  Oh, what fun it was!  
---  MARK GILCHRIST
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2020 Take the Lake
Take the Lake is possible because of support from sponsors, donors and volunteers like you!.
  • News
  • Walk/Run Events
    • About the virtual Walk / Run events
  • Bike Events
    • About the virtual bike events
  • 4-Mile Swim
    • About the virtual swim
    • Lee J. Greer, the early years
  • 6-Mile Paddle
    • About the virtual Paddle Event
  • Register
  • Sponsors
  • Volunteer
  • FAQ
  • Contact