Nebraskaland

May 2026 • Nebraskaland 61 In 2025, Hard Patch Brewery in Hartington also created a special edition beer for the event. sPiRit of tHe "Jorts" AwArd Although competition isn't the event's main goal, trophies crafted by Crofton High School's technical education class are awarded to first place individual triathlon male and female. Winning teams in different age groups also are recognized. Additionally, "every half marathoner gets a medal, because if you're going to run 13.1 miles, that's pretty impressive," Marsh said, "especially through our river region, which is bluffs and hills. It's not an easy run." The most coveted recognition, however, is the Spirit of the Jorts Award, which was inspired by Crofton local Neal Neuhalfen. Neuhalfen's son, a cross-country runner, convinced his father to enter in 2018. Although he agreed, Neuhalfen had no interest in buying or wearing new exercise clothing, so he did the entire race wearing cut-off jean shorts — also known as "jorts." "I don't know if you've ever ridden a bike in jorts, but it's really hard," Marsh said. "Neil is a beloved character of the race. He did it for several years in jorts, and we've kind of started to identify him as the spirit of Crofton's Dam Race. So, several years back, we created the Neal Neuhalfen Spirit of the Jorts Award, and we give that award out every year to somebody who embraces the Neal Neuhalfen spirit of the race." The award can be given to someone who might've had a challenge during the race but they persevered and finished. Or it could be awarded to a person who stopped to help a fellow racer on the road. Neuhalfen's original jorts were mounted on a large plaque and each new winner's name is added to it. "It's the most popular award. It's the last award we give out, and people get into it. They're excited about it," Marsh said. Crofton's Dam Race 2026 will take place July 25 at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area. To register, visit croftonsdamrace.com. Then read about the schedule, route and get your gear in order before the race. "We'll bring the fun and the good times otherwise" Marsh said. N Fundraising for a Hike-Bike Trail Registration fees and sponsor donations help raise seed money for the construction of a new walking-biking trail at Lewis and Clark state recreation area. Crofton's Dam Race committee has pledged $50,000 to the project thus far, said Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area Superintendent Leslie Donner. The new trail would wind through the Wiegand and Burbach areas and connect the marina, campgrounds, cabins and other park attractions. It would also allow for additional 5k and 3k race options within the SRA. Nebraska Game and Parks recently hired an engineering firm, and permitting, budgeting and a construction timeline are in the works. "Crofton's Dam Race brings new visitors into the park and creates a deeper connection to the outdoors," Donner said. "It's incredibly exciting to see not only the committee, but also the many dedicated volunteers come together in support of this trail project. This event will be remembered for more than just race day — it will leave a lasting impact on our park and community for years to come." Neal Neuhalfen, right, names Cheryl Frederik of Springfield the winner of the 2025 "Spirit of the Jorts" award. COOPER DAVIS JULIE GEISER, NEBRASKALAND

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