07/15/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/15/2021 14:12
800 Missouri American Water MR340 paddlers race to support river preservation
ST. LOUIS, MO (July 15, 2021) - On Tuesday, July 20, roughly 800 paddlers will launch from Kaw Point Park in Kansas City to begin the 16th Annual Missouri American Water Missouri River 340 (MR340) river race. Participants will paddle 340 miles across the state in this endurance race with the goal of crossing the finish line in St. Charles. The Missouri American Water MR340 brings awareness to the importance of our rivers, which serve as a reliable source of drinking water for millions of Missourians.
The MR340 race combines extreme sports and environmental stewardship. Race proceeds benefit three environmental stewardship and education organizations: Missouri River Relief, Healthy Rivers Partnership and the Lewis and Clark Nature Center and Boathouse.
This is the first year that Missouri River Relief has hosted the race. Race founder, Scott Mansker, remains the race director.
WHAT: Roughly 800 paddlers will race from Kansas City, KS to St. Charles, MO for 340 miles within 3 days
WHEN & WHERE:
WHO: Racers, plus staff from Rivermiles, Missouri American Water, Missouri River Relief and Healthy Rivers Partnership are available to tell their race stories and share their commitment to preserving the Missouri River - the water source for nearly half of the state.
Missouri River Relief
Missouri River Relief is a grassroots, volunteer and equipment-based organization dedicated to connecting people to the Missouri River through river clean-ups, education programs and recreation.
Since its founding, the organization has grown each year. To date, MRR has hosted 187 Missouri River clean-ups, bringing 28,509 volunteers to clean 970 tons of trash from 1,400 miles of the river. Missouri River Relief has participated in and hosted clean-ups in six states, from the Mississippi River to Yankton, S.D.
Healthy Rivers Partnership
The Healthy Rivers Partnership (HRP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people to their rivers and rivers to their communities. Formed from a shared commitment to water resources, river clean ups and watershed education, the organization does river clean-ups, river education, riparian restoration, on-the-water field trips and provides safety boats and checkpoint coordination for the Missouri River MR340 race.
Rivermiles
Rivermiles has been promoting Missouri River awareness since 2006 with the inaugural running of the Missouri River 340. Rivermiles believes that the best way to protect our river resources is through participation, inviting paddlers and their families to experience the rivers through the adventure of canoe racing.
These events create lifelong fans and stewards of the rivers and link the communities in the watershed in ways they've never considered. The MR340 is known internationally as the world's longest non-stop river race and has attracted paddlers from Japan, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, Denmark and the United Kingdom.
Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.missouriamwater.com and follow Missouri American Water on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water services to our customers to help make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.