Outdoor News Daily

JEFFERSON CITY – If you are fascinated by events like the Tour de France and the Indianapolis 500, you might also enjoy the paddle-sports equivalent of those two events. Missourians can enjoy that kind of extreme entertainment without leaving their home state.

The Missouri River 340, the world’s longest nonstop river race, will start at 8 a.m. July 15 at Kaw Point, at the mouth of the Kaw River in Kansas City. For some competitors, the race will end less than two days later at Riverfront Park in St. Charles. Those who take longer than 100 hours to paddle 340 miles across Missouri’s midsection will have the satisfaction of knowing they competed but will not be official finishers.

When the Missouri River 340 started in 2006, it drew a modest 15 entries. Seventy-six canoes and kayaks took part in last year’s event. This year’s race already has 76 entries in the men’s Solo division alone. In all, more than 130 teams or solo paddlers have entered the race.

The event’s phenomenal growth is partly due to its extreme cachet.
The Missouri River 340 draws paddlers from around the nation. Another
draw this year is the addition of a division for teams of more than two
paddlers and at least two divisions in which contestants will compete
for cash prizes. Top money in these sponsored divisions ranges from
$500-$2000.

Dehydration, bleeding hands, hallucinations and dodging barges in the
dark all are part of the “fun.” Stories of heartbreak and redemption
abound, as fierce competitors of all ages and walks of life push bodies
and minds beyond the ordinary limits of endurance. For many, the race
is more about self-discovery than about competition with others.

Mandatory checkpoints along the course provide an opportunity for
spectators to view the spectacle close-up. Historic river hamlets
designated as mandatory checkpoints for competitors also abound with
antique shops, pubs, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and other
diversions for spectators.

For more about adventures of last year’s participants, see the June
issue of Missouri Conservationist magazine at
mdc.mo.gov/conmag/2008/06/10.htm. Details about this year’s event are
available at rivermiles.com or by contacting Scott Mansker,
scott@rivermiles.com, 913-244-4666.

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