KANSAS CITY, Kan. — What started 20 years ago with 20 paddlers has turned into an annual river race with over 500 paddlers.
The MR340, a race on the Missouri River for 340 miles, goes from Kansas City, Kansas, to St. Charles, Missouri, over the next few days.
Paddlers put in at Kaw Point Park bright and early Tuesday to begin their 86-hour (or less) journey.
“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,” said Steve Schnarr, race director. “We are so proud this race continues to be a world-class event on our favorite river.”
This year was the second for Dr. Roy Davis and Bree Langsworthy to pair up and race in tandem.
“We’re doing this for fun, and we’re going to try and enjoy the whole thing,” said Davis, of Fulton, Missouri.
Langsworthy said the race is an opportunity for paddlers to tackle a personal challenge.
“I’m a big competitive person, so I like to just push myself," Langsworthy said. "This isn’t really a race I can win, but I have to beat my time I had last time, for myself."
You can follow along with paddlers as they progress through their journey here.
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KSHB 41 reporter Claire Bradshaw covers eastern Jackson County, including Blue Springs and Independence. Share your story idea with Claire.
