Take the Lake event promotes healthy living | Health

WHITEVILLE, NC (WECT) – Recent heavy rains haven't dampened enthusiasm in Lake Waccamaw for this weekend's Take the Lake, and organizers anticipate 1,100 participants in the four-part fitness event.

The first physical endurance challenge, a 15-mile walk/run, will kick off the healthy weekend Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. at the Lake Waccamaw State Park visitor's center.

Sunday morning, nearly 100 kayakers are expected to take off from the public beach at Dale's Seafood at 8 a.m. for the 14-mile Paddle, and more than 500 cyclists – all wearing safety helmets – at 2 p.m. for the 15-mile Bike & Hike. This is the first year that all participants will need to wear a safety helmet when riding their bikes in order to comply with the new insurance regulations.

The traditional four-mile Swim on Labor Day will begin at 8 a.m., Monday, either at the dam or at Dale's depending on wind conditions.

The theme of this year's event is "The Educator," and organizers have colored everything with schoolhouses, apples and other fun teacher stuff.

Check out the Take the Lake website for more details on the event.

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