May 2026 • Nebraskaland 59
Participants have the option to bypass the triathlon.
Instead, they can run the half marathon that starts at the
state recreation area and ends in Crofton or, they can make
the trek by bike — e-bikes are allowed.
The race is also popular among half marathoners
looking to run in every state. Marsh remembers a couple of
septuagenarians who flew into Nebraska to race several years
ago. They wore capes with the map of United States sewn on,
with states highlighted where they had run half marathons.
Some partic ipants, such as Crofton husband-and-
wife team Jeff and Jolene Steffen have gone so far as
handcrafting their own wooden kayak for the occasion.
The Steffens have been participating since 2018; their
daughter won the female individual triathlon in 2024.
Even younger children are encouraged to join the fun.
Crofton Physical Therapy offers a kids race the Friday night
prior. Kids ages 8-13 can sign up for a short run, short bike
ride and a swim in the Crofton public pool. It's been a nice
add-on for racers who are also bringing their children into
town, Marsh said.
"It's $10 a kid, and they get a goodie bag. The race is untimed,
even though my son claims he won last year," she said.
Crofton Dam Race
Registration
Thanks to sponsors, including Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Nebraska, Crofton Community
Club and Explorers Credit Unit, organizers
have been able to keep registration fees
low (fees will increase after July 10):
•
Individual triathlon: $70
•
Team triathlon: $105
•
Youth team triathlon (ages 14-18): $80
•
Half marathon only: $70
•
Bike race only: $40
Participants may borrow a kayak from the
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at
no cost. However, they must bring their
own life jacket, bike and helmet.
Register at croftonsdamrace.com.
The 12-mile bike ride from Lewis and Clark Lake into downtown Crofton
can be completed as part of the triathlon or as a standalone race.
JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND
Crofton locals Jeff and Jolene Steffen showing their handcrafted
kayak to curious children.
JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND
COOPER DAVIS
