HalfRuns
Crofton's Dam Race

Crofton's Dam Race

Crofton's Dam Race: a flat half along Lewis & Clark Lake with a finish-line party.

Race Date

Jul 25, 2026

Location

Crofton, NE

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Location
Crofton, Nebraska
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 16 Miles, 12 Miles
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty Finish

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Crofton's Dam Half Marathon starts on the sandy shores of Weigand Beach at Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area, then follows a pancake-flat course into the small town of Crofton, Nebraska. With virtually no elevation change, the route stays close to the lake, offering runners a steady, fast surface and a chance to soak in the wide-open Midwestern scenery. The finish line on Main Street brings you straight into a small-town celebration.

This race is part of a larger, one-of-a-kind event that also includes a sprint triathlon (with kayaking instead of swimming) and a 12-mile bike race. The half marathon itself draws a modest field of around 55 runners from about 6 states, creating an intimate, community-focused atmosphere. Every finisher gets a free t-shirt, a hot meal, and a drink at the Finish Line Party in the Crofton Haymarket—a low-key reward after a straightforward, no-frills race. The race is still young, with just a few editions on record, but its unique setting and growing appeal make it a hidden gem for those seeking something off the beaten path.

Race-provided description

RUN. BIKE. KAYAK Join us for a new kind of race along the shores of Lewis & Clark Lake in Northeast Nebraska. Choose your adventure between three events: a sprint triathlon with kayaking instead of swimming, a half marathon or 12-mile bike race. Participants must be 14 years or older. Racers get a free t-shirt, meal and beverage at the Finish Line Party. Extra t-shirts and meals can be ordered here. START - Weigand Beach at Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area FINISH - Main Street, Crofton, Nebraska FINISH LINE CELEBRATION - Crofton Haymarket, Main Street, Crofton TEAM CAPTAINS: Register your team and pay full team registration fee. From there, you can either     A) Send the registration link to other team members to register on their own.     B) Register for your team members by clicking "Add New Registrant" PRIZES: The overall individual winner will receive a plaque. The individual winners of each age group and the fastest team will receive medals. Half Marathon finishers receive a medal. Everyone gets a high five!  LODGING: Stay in Crofton at the Lewis and Clark Lodge or the Historic Argo Hotel.  Camping is also available at the Weigand Campgrounds. Make arrangements early as limited rooms are available. BIKE HELMETS and LIFE JACKETS REQUIRED! For information, contact the race directors: Heidi Marsh: director@croftonsdamrace.com, 605-660-4498 Johnnie Ostermeyer: 402-508-0224

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Start Time

7:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

54731 897 Rd., Crofton, NE, 68730

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Lake River, Small Town

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

16 Miles12 Miles

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage6/20

3 years running

Size6/15

~13 finishers a year

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

0% returning runners

Course & details3/15

4 timing sources

National draw5/10

runners from 6 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:22:02

Weather0/10

typical high 89°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

70°

Afternoon (High)

89°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.0"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

67%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Crofton's Dam Race?

The Crofton's Dam Race is held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.

Where does the Crofton's Dam Race take place?

It takes place in Crofton, Nebraska.

What distances does the Crofton's Dam Race offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 16 Miles, 12 Miles.

Is the Crofton's Dam Race course flat and good for a PR?

The Crofton's Dam Race is a ultra-flat, point to point course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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