fitness paddling: exercise, train, race by kayak & canoe

15 boats - kayak and canoes - started from the Kaw Point boat ramp at the confluence of Missouri and Kansas Rivers for 340 mile Missouri River Race at 8:00 on August 2, 2006. The racers experienced the excessive heat during the first day, and spectacular but violent thunderstorms during night which brought somewhat lower temperatures for the next paddling days. However, Friday and Saturday provided strong headwinds for tired paddlers.

10 teams completed the race by Sunday noon at Bishop's Landing at St Charles after crossing the entire state of Missouri.

As expected, a veteran Texas marathon racer, West Hansen, won the race finishing at 1:40 pm on Friday after almost 54 hour of lonely nonstop (if you don't count a 30 minute nap) run.

Next 4 paddlers - one mixed tandem followed by 3 solos - arrived next day afternoon between 12:20 and 21:00.

The third group of paddlers was finishing at St Charles on Sunday between 9:20 and 12:32.

5 teams dropped out of the race. However, two solos stayed in the race for the long time making 269 and 237 miles. So, number of finishers in this long race looks pretty good. However, with more of adverse weather conditions, it is likely that a half of teams would have troubles to complete the race before Sunday noon or 100 hour deadline.

The race was great, organization excellent. Special thanks to Scott Mansker and Russ Payzant, the main organizers, who were also prividing assistance with The Lonestar and Kaw Warior during the race and to all other organizers and volunteers behind the scene of the Missouri River 340.

I was shooting pictures with Pentax Optio W10 camera during my 78+ hours on the river. Connie, who followed me by land, also was shooting pictures (see above). So, I will be posting more pictures from the race and more writing about my experience.

The race results:

Related posts:

• Missouri River 340: the race will be hot
• Missouri River 340 Race from Kansas City to St Charles
• Missouri River 340, August 2-6, 2006 - A new long distance race is beeing born