Over 600 Competitors Embark on 21st Annual MR340 River Race
Over 600 participants launched their kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from Kaw Point Park in Kansas City for the 21st annual MR340, a 340-mile non-stop river race down the Missouri River to St. Charles.
Kansas City, MO, July 28, 2026 —
More than 600 athletes commenced the 21st annual MR340 endurance race on Saturday, launching their watercraft from Kaw Point Park in Kansas City. This challenging event requires participants to navigate a 340-mile course non-stop down the Missouri River, with the finish line set in St. Charles.
The fleet included a diverse range of paddlers utilizing kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The MR340 is known for its demanding nature, testing the physical and mental endurance of competitors as they race against the clock and each other along the historic waterway.
Participants began their journey from Kaw Point Park, a popular launch point situated at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers. The race route follows the natural flow of the Missouri River, presenting participants with various conditions and challenges inherent to a long-distance river expedition.
The MR340 is one of the longest continuous river races in the United States. Competitors aim to complete the 340-mile journey as quickly as possible, with many teams and solo racers vying for top honors. The race is an annual event, with this year marking its 21st iteration.
Story summarized from the original created by Claire Bradshaw on www.kshb.com, see more information here.