River race features 'dragon boat'

It followed the current as paddlers sank their oars into the "Big Muddy" and slowed the lengthy red canoe to a stop at the ramp.

Nineteen paddlers and one steer person manned the boat, which mimics traditional flat-bottom Asian canoes. It averages 10 miles per hour.

"We've applied for the Guinness World Record," said team member Rick Wise.

The furthest a dragon boat has reportedly traveled in a consecutive trip is approximately 80 miles. The Missouri River 340, running from Kansas City to St. Charles, will afford the team an opportunity to break the record. As the race is said to be the longest non-stop river race worldwide, the team could hold that record indefinitely if they reach the checkpoint in St. Charles.

"The finish time is the most important for the race," said Karin Thomas, the MR340 organizer.

Nine checkpoints line the Missouri River and Thomas boats to each of them. Organizers and volunteers track when racers arrive and leave as a safety issue, but times arrival times don't play a part in the final score.

Wind, however, was playing a big part in the race Tuesday, Aug. 24. Though the river current was swift, racers were paddling directly into a cool wind for quite some time, adding extra drag to solo kayaks as well as the dragon boat.

The people of Miami were prepared to handle anything Tuesday. Tents were set up near the ramp, hamburgers and polish sausages were searing and kids were playing along the bank.

"We've served supper and breakfast for five years now," said Chris Taylor, a City of Miami councilmember.

The Miami checkpoint is known for its pancakes and sausage and was the first stop that began the cookouts, councilmember Elizabeth Elson said.

The Saline County crowd began to grow as the sun's reflection faded from the water. Supporters looked through binoculars to spot kayaks in the distance as the race continued on.

Contact Sarah Reed at sreed@marshallnews.com