Ben Cahoon, an Engelhard native who now resides in Nags Head, did what he came to do.

In support of Hyde County Hotline, which is a 24-hour crisis line for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual victimization, Cahoon decided to organize his own “Lake Run” around the eastern side of Lake Mattamuskeet on March 12.

Months ago, he set up a GoFundMe page to raise donations for the run, as well as raise awareness about the hotline’s services.

“It was warmer than my training conditions and there was a steady wind, both of which are dehydrating. I struggled most of the day to stay comfortably hydrated. But otherwise it was great,” Cahoon said of the run in an email. “Having ridden and driven those roads since childhood, it was interesting to experience so many stretches on foot for the first time. You notice a lot of detail on foot that you never notice from your car or even a bike.”

Cahoon said he only garnered $200 of the $1,000 goal on the GoFundMe page, but he plans to increase that pledge to $300, along with an added $100 donation from his work office.

The $400 amount is not including the donations Hyde County Hotline received directly, he said.

But while Cahoon wishes he could’ve raised even more, he said he was grateful for the opportunity to do it.

“I do think I helped Hyde County Hotline. Whatever the total, hopefully at least a few more people are aware of them and their mission,” Cahoon said. “I would do it again. It’s always helpful to have experienced a course once, and I would have a better idea of what to expect. I like doing about two ultra (i.e., greater than marathon) distances a year, and if there’s nothing else on the calendar next spring, I just might do it (again).”

Next up for Hyde County Hotline is its second annual Race Across the Lake on April 16 at 8 a.m., beginning on N.C. Highway 94 in Fairfield and continuing across Lake Mattamuskeet.