The MR340 is billed as the “world’s longest nonstop paddling race”, bringing canoeists, kayakers and SUP paddlers from around the world to run a nonstop 340 mile race course from Kansas City, KS to St. Charles, MO on the Missouri River.
2016 MR340 Race Start. Photo by Rod Wellington
The race was started in 2006 by Scott Mansker and Russ Payzant with only 16 paddlers. The pair quickly formed the organization Rivermiles, LLC, which organized and hosted the race for its first 15 years. The largest MR340 was in 2018 with 433 boats. Missouri River Relief has been part of the safety boat team since 2008.
Scott Mansker and Rivermiles will continue running the race as a contractor for Missouri River Relief and will be involved in all aspects of the race. But we are working together to stabilize the future of the race and help build a stable fundraising base for Missouri River Relief in the process.
We are proud to have been part of the safety boat team for this world-class race since 2008. The quality of people that do this race, volunteers to run it and support their friends and family are just top-notch. "People on the river are happy to give" - this quote totally applies to this remarkable race. We are so proud to be taking our involvement up a notch.
Rainbow after a passing thunderstorm during the 2016 MR340. Photo by Steve Schnarr
What's Changing About the Race?
The race itself is not changing. The biggest change that racers will notice is in the registration system. A $50 deposit will hold their space in the race. Then they can use a custom fundraising page to reach out and raise donations for Missouri River Relief to complete the remaining $200 registration for the race.
In the past, if the race was canceled due to flooding, racers would receive a voucher for a future race. Going forward, vouchers will not be offered for future races. If the race is canceled three consecutive months, the race registration becomes a tax-deductible donation to Missouri River Relief.
"Finding Flow on the Mighty Mo"- perhaps the best ever article about the MR340 - by Brett Dufur, Missouri Conservationist, July 2013.
FAQs on New Race Registration System
I have heard that Missouri River Relief has taken over the MR340 Race. Who do we contact with questions?
The race is owned by Missouri River Relief but is still directed and organized by Scott Mansker at Rivermiles. You can contact Scott here.
How does this new registration system work?
While the structure and experience of the race will remain essentially the same, we are implementing a new registration system that empowers you, the racers, to become part of the fundraising team for Missouri River Relief. When racers register, beginning on January 1st at 8:00 a.m., you have two options:
Pay the $250 registration cost, which includes a $50 deposit and a $200 tax deductible donation to Missouri River Relief.
Pay the $50 deposit and pledge to raise $200 (or more) for Missouri River Relief through an individual fundraising webpage by April 1. This personal “crowdfunding” page will be part of your registration. We will have a fundraising leaderboard to show our most awesome fundraising ambassadors. Those who achieve generous fundraising goals will receive awesome prizes.
When is the race this year?
Each year, the race will offer three potential race dates, usually in July, August and September but always tracking with the full moon. In 2021, those dates are:
Race Date 1 July 20-23 – This is the official race date. If Race Date 1 is impossible due to river flooding the race will bump to the next potential scheduled date.
Race Date 2 – August 24-27
Race Date 3 – September 21-24. If this date is also impossible, the race will not be held that year and racers will not receive a voucher for participation in the next year’s race.
In all cases, the $200 (or more) donation to Missouri River Relief will be tax-deductible.
Valid Vouchers from 2020 will continue to be valid for future MR340 races.
If part of this registration is a donation, is it tax-deductible?
The $200 donation is tax-deductible. If the race is completely cancelled during a given year, the $50 deposit will also be tax-deductible.
Why are these changes happening?
Past flood delays were big financial hits to the 340 and strained our ability to put on the event. These changes will insure viability for the race and increase the race’s support for Missouri River Relief, making sure the event and its parent organization remain strong well into the future.
Ready for Action?
This website is created and maintained by Missouri River Relief, P.O. Box 463, Columbia, MO 65205
