ARNOLD, Neb. (AP) — Organizers of a popular annual road race in central Nebraska say the event has brought in nearly $1 million to the area since getting its start in 2001.

The Sandhills Open Road Challenge has become so popular, participation maxes out every year at 140 entries. The first race in 2001 on a winding road from Arnold to Highway 2 brought in just 34 entries.

This year’s Sandhills Open Road Challenge race takes place on Aug. 8.

More than $900,000 in proceeds has been donated to community organizations and civic projects such as the Arnold Theater, Arnold Community Center and local fire department.

If everything goes as planned this year, organizer Joe Shown says the race will break the $1 million mark.