The World’s longest nonstop river race will take place from Kansas City to St. Charles along the Missouri River

On July 8 beginning at 7:00 a.m. more than 500 paddlers from around the world will begin the 20^th Annual Missouri American Water MR340 river race. 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,” said Rich Svindland, President, Missouri American Water. “As the water service provider for one in four Missourians, our team is dedicated to the delivery of safe and clean water now and for future generations.”

Race proceeds benefit the event host, Missouri River Relief, a nonprofit organization connecting people to the Missouri River through environmental stewardship, education and recreation. Approximately 40 volunteers from Missouri American Water will join Missouri River Relief staff and hundreds of other volunteers to help organize and facilitate the race.

“In the past 20 years, this race has built a community of paddlers, families and towns that support each other and care for the Missouri River,” Race Director Steve Schnarr said. “We are so proud this race continues to be a world-class event on our favorite river.”

The race details are below. Racers and their support ground crews will stop at nearly all boat ramps along the Missouri River. Check out race photos from previous years!

Race Start

WHEN: Tuesday, July 8, at 7 a.m. for solo boaters. All the others start at 8 a.m.

WHERE: Kaw Point Park – 1403 Fairfax Trafficway, Kansas City, KS 66115

Checkpoint #3 - Jefferson City, MO

WHEN: Wednesday, July 9, at 5 a.m. until Thursday, July 10 at 4 pm

WHERE: Carl R. Noren Access on Cottonwood Street west of the Highway 54/63 Bridge

Race Finish:

WHEN: Lead paddlers could arrive the evening of Wednesday, July 9, with most paddlers finishing throughout Thursday, July 10 and Friday, July 11.

WHERE: Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Museum – 1050 S. Riverside Drive in St. Charles, MO

The four-day event ends with a finish line party from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 11 at the Lewis and Clark Boathouse. The top finishers in each category will be recognized at the awards ceremony at 7 p.m., and there will be live music before and after the awards. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Missouri American Water MR340 Quick Links:

• Missouri American Water MR340 Website
• Race Course Map
• RaceOwl – Race Tracking and location map
• Photos from Past Races
• MR340 Resources

About Missouri American Water

Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.6 million people. For more, visit missouriamwater.com and follow Missouri American Water on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About Missouri River Relief

Missouri River Relief is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting people to the Missouri River through river cleanups, education programs and recreation. Since 2001, more than 35,000 volunteers have removed over 2 million pounds of trash from the Missouri River and its floodplain. We’ve given more than 42,000 students direct experience with the nation’s longest river, building knowledge of and connections with this precious resource. You can find out more on our website, on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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“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,” said Rich Svindland, President, Missouri American Water.