Crofton dam race committee pledges thousands for Lewis & Clark Recreation Area trail project

CROFTON, Neb. — The Crofton Dam Race, an annual event that draws hundreds of participants and boosts Crofton's small-town economy each July, is giving back to the community in a big way. The volunteer committee behind the race has pledged thousands of dollars for a much-needed improvement project at Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area, where the race takes place.

"The money that the contestants pay to enter the race," said Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area Superintendent Jonathan Voelker, "we’re taking a chunk of that, and they're going to donate it to us and help build a trail. Our goal is to get a trail through the park so we can run the three K and a 5k, so we can use it in the Crofton Dam race."

The race committee, made up of 10 volunteers, initially aimed to pledge $5,000 toward the trail. However, due to recent success and significant growth, the committee voted to set aside $50,000 to construct a crushed limestone surface for the trail. Park staff eventually plan to have a full concrete surface, but no completion date has been set.

"With $50K set aside so far," Voelker said, "there will hopefully be some grants and other areas we can get money, but to complete it in its entirety, it comes down to more funding because we will also need to maintain it throughout the year as well."

Registration is now open for Crofton’s Dam Race, scheduled for July 25, 2026. For more information, visit croftonsdamrace.com.

Crofton’s Dam Race is an annual fundraising event featuring a triathlon, half marathon, and bike race. It is hosted by a volunteer committee in coordination with the Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area and Nebraska Game & Parks. Proceeds from the race benefit recreation projects in the Crofton region. For more information, visit croftonsdamrace.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Heidi Marsh, Race Director

[email protected]

(605) 660-4498