WHO:  Athletes from across the country and around the world, will compete in the Fifth Annual Missouri River 340 canoe/kayak race.  They will be given 88 hours to complete the 340 mile race from Kansas City to St. Charles, finishing on the banks of the Missouri River just behind the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center.  The event is now the longest and largest river race in North America.

WHAT:  Growing from 12 boats in 2006 to 240 in 2010, the MR340 has become an ultra marathon.  This year over 350 people will participate, and their ground support teams will be on shore along the river waiting to re-supply them with food and water.

WHERE:  The towns and cities associated with the nine mandatory checkpoints have been drawn to the event, and local organizations will also be on hand grilling, selling food and drinks, and cheering the racers along the route.  The checkpoints are:  Lexington, Waverly, Miami, Glasgow, Cooper’s Landing, Jefferson City, Hermann, Klondike (or Weldon Spring in high water) and St. Charles.

WHEN:  The race begins on Tuesday, Aug. 24 with a Firelock start by Discovery Expedition of St. Charles (DESC) members from the Kansas City area.  The first contestants will begin to arrive at the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center the evening of Wed., Aug. 25, finishing in just 34-36 hours.  The remainder of the pack will arrive over the next two days until the official closing of the race at midnight, Friday, Aug. 27.

ALSO:  On Thursday, Aug. 26 and Friday, Aug. 27, local DESC members will provide a display of the historic replicas of the keel boat and pirogues, plus a period 1804 military encampment.  This effort will help team friends and spectators understand the importance of the 1803 to 1806 Lewis & Clark Expedition.  A fund-raiser BBQ will be provided for visitors and the community from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.  The closing ceremony and awards presentation for participants will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27 from the Boat House.