Miami designated as an official checkpoint
By Whitney Barnes
Staff Writer
Excitement filled the air at the Missouri River access point in Miami, Tuesday evening, July 23, as crowds eagerly awaited the incoming boats competing in the 2024 Missouri River 340,
Every year, the Missouri River 340 sees hundreds of kayaks and canoes take on the Missouri River in the world’s longest river race. The demanding route runs from Kansas City to St. Charles, with Miami serving as just one of the checkpoints along the way. Other nearby checkpoints include Waverly and Glasgow.
The 2024 Missouri American Water MR340 officially kicked off at 7 a.m. on July 23 for solo boats and 8 a.m. for all other boats. According to the MR340 website, the starting point was Kaw Point Park in Kansas City, Kansas. This grueling 340-mile race is not for the faint of heart. Participants face a daunting 86-hour time limit for solos and 85 hours for all others to complete the course.
Endurance is key as paddlers battle through the elements, pushing themselves to the limit and beyond. Missouri Life Magazine explains how some racers even forgo sleep to achieve the ambitious goal of finishing the race in under 40 hours. The race is a true test of grit and determination, as there is no respite for those who dare to brave the waters.
The MR340 website states that this endeavor involves serious and inherent risks. The hydraulics associated with many obstructions along the river are inherently dangerous. The greatest risk, however, is from the numerous large and small power craft that ply the river. Constant vigilance, clear thinking, and quick reaction will always be essential.
The intense challenge of the race is heightened by the ominous presence of the Reaper boat, which closely follows the paddlers. Marking the slowest allowable pace, the Reaper boat poses a significant threat, as any racer it overtakes faces disqualification.
The race includes 20 checkpoints along the course. Miami’s checkpoint is located at the Miami River Access/Boat Ramp and offers several amenities for racers. Miami City Clerk Liz Elson explained that the community provides racers with dinner, breakfast and a resting place.
“We mainly provide food and support,” she said. “We start setting up on Tuesday, and then we have food Tuesday evening, throughout the night, and breakfast around 3 a.m. We also have ice and anything else they might need.”
Elson estimated that they typically serve meals for around 200 racers in Miami. She emphasized that the event is a joint fundraising effort with the city and involves the mayor, city clerk, city council, city employees and members of the Miami Lions Club and The Friends of Miami.
“It’s a community-supported event,” she said. “We just all kind of got together and started doing it.”
Elson has been involved with the race for 18 years and expressed that her favorite part is interacting with all the people.
While the race doesn’t officially end until July 26 at 9 p.m., some boaters have already started to cross the finish line. River Hawk Boat Shop was declared the overall winner of the event, according to Race Owl. The winning four-person team was comprised of Robyn Benincasa, Paul Cox, Joe Mann and Nathan Tart. The group finished the race in 36 hours and 57 minutes.
According to Race Owl, Dustin LeCave secured first place and second overall in the Men’s Solo Division. The team Krakamaran clinched first place in the Pedal/SUP Tandem Division and came in third overall. This two-person team consisted of Matt and Tommy Walters. Erick Baumberger secured fourth place overall, and Salli O’Donnell emerged as the winner in the Women’s Solo Division and fifth overall.
According to the MR340 Roster, approximately 500 boaters participated in the event across 16 different divisions. Participants from Saline County and nearby areas also took part in the event. However, no information about their performance was available at the time of publication.
The MR340 is organized by Missouri River Relief. This year marks the 19th year of the event.
