ENGELHARD — Hyde County Hotline Inc. has released the details for the second annual Race Across the Lake to benefit the 24-hour crisis line.

The event is set for April 16, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and the race starting at 9 a.m. Participants will follow a 7-mile stretch along Lake Road in Fairfield, with markers at the 5K mark (3.1 miles) and 10K mark (6.2 miles).

The course “will begin on Highway 94 in Fairfield and extends across the scenic Lake Mattamuskeet,” a press release stated. “The paved course is straight and flat. A water station will be available at each mile throughout the route.”

Although Race Across the Lake is in April, organizers are already looking for sponsors. The three levels of sponsorship include: bronze, $50-$99; silver, $100-$199; and gold, $200 or more.

Based on the level of sponsorship, sponsors could have waived entry fees, recognition on Facebook, advertising or signage displayed at the event.

Hyde County Hotline helps victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse within the county.

“This fundraiser is just a fun opportunity for members of the community and people from other areas to come out and enjoy the ‘fun run,’” said Executive Director Kathy Ballance. “It is important that we are able to continue to operate financially, (and) be able to provide services to victims of domestic abuse.”

One in three women and one in four men have experienced some kind of physical violence from a partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and nearly one in two women and one in five men have experienced sexual violence victimization other than rape.

“Perpetrators who are physically violent toward their intimate partners are often sexually abusive as well,” the NCADV website states. “Victims who are both physically and sexually abused are more likely to be injured or killed than victims who experience one form of abuse.”

Hyde County Hotline’s overall goal is to assist these victims and subsequently eradicate domestic violence and sexual abuse in Hyde County.

Ballance said people have already begun asking about participating in this year’s race.

“The feedback we received from the participants (last year) was excellent, and we’ve had numerous inquiries this year,” she said. “It was successful for a small community and a first-time event.”

Race Across the Lake welcomes participants of all ages, with the entry fee ranging from $8 for ages 9 and under to $25 for ages 15 and older. Participants can register up until the day of the race, but those registered by March 15 are guaranteed a registration packet.

“The work that we do through Hyde County Hotline to provide comprehensive, preventative and advocacy services to victims in our community is extremely important, and we would like to thank the community for their support in helping us,” Ballance said.

For more information about volunteering at or sponsoring the event, contact Cynthia Gibbs at cghydehotline@gmail.com or 252-925-2502. Registration forms are available at the same number, as well as www.hydecountyhotline.org or at the Hyde Supply Thrift Store.