7 ways to prep for Crofton’s Dam race

Registration is open for Crofton’s Dam Race set for July 25 at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area.

Now in its ninth year, the race continues to blend small-town charm and new traditions, while benefiting the development of a walk-bike trail at the recreation area just north of Crofton. Participants Crofton’s Dam Race can choose to among three races:

• A sprint triathlon with a 1.5-mile kayak, 5K run and 12-mile bike ride;
• A half marathon; or
• A 12-mile bike race.

Electric bike options have been added to both the triathlon and the bike race. Register at CroftonsDamRace.com.

For those interested in participating, the race community gave their advice for how to prepare for race day. Here’s eight bits of advice:

Amber Jansen, owner of Crofton Physical Therapy and long-time competitor, recommends starting with what you know. If you’re into walking, walk. If you’re into pilates, do that. And, as summer nears, blend in some biking and upper body strength training.

“Even 10 push-ups a day goes a long way,” Jansen said. “Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to give Crofton’s Dam Race a try. It’s a very supportive and fun atmosphere to try something new.”

“Families that race together … well, you know the saying,” said Leah (Schumacher) Robb, of Scotland, South Dakota. Since the beginning, at least two and up to 12 members of the Schumacher family have gathered annually for the race.

“It’s like a big family reunion, and it gets a little competitive,” she said. The family competes as a team, or teams, where each member does a different leg of the race: kayak, run, bike.

The most important part? Team name and matching shirts.

The triathlon champion four of the past five years, TeiJai Clausen of Norfolk, is all in on fun and unique events like Crofton’s Dam Race. To train like TeiJai, he recommends trying these other Nebraska events:

• Outdoor Adventure and Morel Mile + 5K Run at Indian Cave State Park. This race, set for 9 a.m. April 25, goes through the bluffs of the Missouri Rive and ends with a fish fry and morel mushroom hunting contest. Learn more at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
• Bike Ride Across Nebraska, set for June 7 t0 13. Bikers get their training miles in riding across Nebraska! This year’s route includes an overnight stop June 10 in Crofton, where you can get a taste of the town’s hospitality ahead of the dam race.
• Run, White and Blue 5K, set for July 4 in Norfolk. “I’m probably biased because I host this race, but it really is a great way to kick off the 4th of July festivities in Downtown Norfolk and warm up for the 5K,” Clausen said. This family-friendly 5K through the beautiful riverfront region finishes just in time for the city’s annual parade.

Ken Kopestky, owner of Ace Bike & Fitness in Yankton, South Dakota, reminds bikers that the route along Lewis & Clark Lake, while picturesque, is also surprisingly steep. He recommends getting in some elevation rides early in the summer. “I always like to attack Chalkstone Hill on the paved trail west of Yankton,” he said.

“I think a lot of people underestimate the 1.5-mile kayak,” said Christy Christensen, kayak instructor at Nebraska Game and Parks and past racer. She recommends joining the Game and Parks summer paddling series where newbies learn kayaking technique, safety and how to have fun on the water. Check out the Becoming an Outdoors Woman Intro to Kayaking set for June 9 at Louisville State Recreation Area along the Platte River in Cass County.

Getting ready for Crofton’s Dam Race can be as simple as an old pair of jeans and a pair of scissors. That is, if you want to race with Neal Neuhalfen, longtime racer and inspiration for the Spirit of the Jorts Award. Since 2018, Neal has participated on race day wearing, cut-off jeans or jorts. The race committee now gives out an annual Spirit of Jorts award to a racer who exemplifies grit, compassion or overcomes a unique challenge on race day.

“Joy is a staple at Crofton’s Dam Race,” said race director Heidi Marsh. The community and volunteer race committee is always looking for new ways to bring delight to every part of race day. Racers love the dozen water stations with cheering kids and silly themes. Crofton also claims the most unique finish line party in Nebraska with Bloody Mary’s, locally brewed beer, live music and the largest collection of refurbished hay pulleys in the country. “It’s a dam good time,” Marsh said.

Crofton’s Dam Race is a nonprofit fundraising event that started in 2018 and has pledged more than $50,000 in proceeds to Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area for the development of a walk-bike trail at the Weigand Area.