MR340: Scores of Paddlers Ready for Annual River Race
- Photo courtesy of Melanie Cheney
More than 500 boats and nearly 700 racers will begin the 19th Annual Missouri American Water MR340 river race at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23. Participants will paddle 340 miles from Kansas City to St. Charles in non-motorized boats, kayaks, and canoes in a four-day race to the finish line.
“The Missouri American Water MR340 race brings awareness to the importance of our rivers, specifically as reliable sources of drinking water for millions throughout the state,” Missouri American Water President Rich Svindland said in a news release.
Race proceeds benefit the event host, Missouri River Relief and the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Museum, organizations promoting environmental stewardship and education. Approximately forty volunteers from Missouri American Water will join Missouri River Relief staff and hundreds of other volunteers to help organize and facilitate the race.
“The Missouri American Water MR340 brings together racers, ground crews, volunteers, towns and cities, sponsors and spectators from around the country and globe,” said race manager Taby Lane.
Race details are below and can also be found at mr340.org. To view a map of the racecourse click here. For race tracking and results, including a map showing the location of racers, see raceowl.com.
Racers and their support ground crews will be stopping at nearly all boat ramps along the Missouri River.
Race Check
WHEN: Monday, July 22 between noon and 8 p.m.
WHERE: Kaw Point Park, 1403 Fairfax Trafficway, Kansas City, Kansas.
Race Start
WHEN: Tuesday, July 23 at 7 a.m.
WHERE: Kaw Point Park, Kansas City, Kansas
Jefferson City Check Point
WHEN: Wednesday, July 24 at 5 a.m. until Thursday, July 25 around 4 p.m. Paddlers are expected to begin arriving in the morning and will check-in throughout the day.
WHERE: Carl R. Noren Access on Cottonwood Street upstream of the Highway 54/63 Bridge.
Race Finish
WHEN: Lead paddlers could arrive the evening of Wednesday, July 24, with most paddlers finishing throughout Thursday, July 25 and Friday, July 26.
WHERE: Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Museum, 1050 S. Riverside Dr. in St. Charles, Missouri. The four-day event ends with a finish line party held Friday at the Lewis and Clark Boathouse from 6-9 p.m. The top finishers in each category will be recognized at the awards ceremony at 7 p.m. Live music will be played before and after the awards. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.