Annual Missouri River race kicks off Tuesday

About 300 paddlers Tuesday will launch their boats in the Missouri American Water Missouri River 340 (MR340) river race.

From Kansas City, Kansas, to St. Charles, the racers will paddle 340 miles across the state - celebrating the importance of the river to Missouri's environment and as a source of drinking water to millions of people.

Proceeds from the race will benefit three environmental stewardship and education organizations: Missouri River Relief, the Healthy Rivers Partnership and the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center.

Kansas City is the starting line, and race leaders will likely arrive Wednesday morning at the Noren River Access in Jefferson City.

The finish line is St. Charles, with winners' likely arrival late Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.

Missouri River Relief is a grassroots, volunteer and equipment-based organization dedicated to connecting people to the Missouri River through hands-on river cleanups and education events.

The Healthy Rivers Partnership (HRP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people to their rivers and rivers to their communities.

Rivermiles has been promoting Missouri River awareness since 2006 with the inaugural running of the Missouri River 340. Rivermiles officials say the best way to protect river resources is through participation, inviting paddlers and their families to experience the rivers through the adventure of canoe racing.

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.