Happy New Year 2026!
MPR celebrates 15 years!
MPR held our first race in 2012.
We now proudly host 5 races across Missouri & Kansas
2026 Title Sponsor - AI Brands of Clinton, MO!
AI Brands is home to Truman Reserve Bourbon, Crave Cocktails, and Honey Creek Hollow Spiced Rum. All of these items will be part of the prize pool and raffles at our first three races of the season! Thanks AI Brands!
2026 Health Sponsor - Hammer Nutrition
AI Brands is home to Truman Reserve Bourbon, Crave Cocktails, and Honey Creek Hollow Spiced Rum. All of these items will be part of the prize pool and raffles at our first three races of the season! Thanks AI Brands!
Our 2025 Races
Mean Lamine - April 18
Our newest race, and one that lives up to it's name, this 13.4 mile race is a real mean up and back,
and that is because it's basically flat water - no current.
Average finish times are 3 - 3.5 hours.
Shootout - May 16
An unusual format race - it doesn't matter what kind of boat you have, only what kind of paddle.
This 50 mile race on the Missouri River from Kaw Point to Lexington is the first leg of the MR340,
with average finish times around 6 - 7 hours.
Freedom Race - June 27
Our signature event of the year, and the one that started it all in 2012. 63 miles from Boonville to Jeff City on the Missouri River.
Always scheduled about 3 weeks before the MR340
for a final tune-up before the big dance.
Average finish times are 7 - 8 hours.
MR340 Pit Stop 1300 at Paddle Stop New Haven
The best pit stop on the MR340 course! We will be open at the boat ramp in New Haven and at Paddle Stop New haven for 48 hours straight during the MR340 from Wednesday July 10 at 9am to Friday July 12 at 9am. We will have a whole menu of food and drinks, repair materials, toilets, and showers (bring a towel!)
The Gritty Growler - September 20
New in 2022, the Gritty became the Gritty Growler and moved from the Kansas River to east/central Missouri. 23.5 miles on the Missouri River, starting on the Gasconade, paddlers and fans alike will enjoy cold drinks, hot food, and good fun at the finish inside Paddle Stop Brewery.
Average finish times are 2.5-3 hours.
Kawlloween - November 2
The "fun run" of paddling, and a great way to end the season. Only 11.4 miles on the Kansas River, and typically less than 2 hours from Eudora to DeSoto. Wear your costumes and bring the family!
What is Midwest Paddle Racing?
Racing
Canoe and Kayak racing has exploded in the last 15 years in the MoKan region thanks to the MR340, which began in 2006. Canoeing and kayak racing in the Midwest is different than spec boat racing in the northeast, or surfski racing in the oceans; it is kind of like the wild west.
While races in this area do have classes, the unlimited class thrives where the motto is, "Bring whatever boat you think can get you there the fastest." - and that isn't always a race boat. As someone once said, long distance races are a great equalizer.
In the Midwest you'll see aluminum canoes, proboats, surfskis, outriggers, and occasionally a barge made out of recycle blue barrels! It doesn't matter what you paddle as long as it floats and you have fun!
Recreation
Whether you are a serious competitor, a weekend warrior, or just a recreational paddler, Midwest Paddle Racing has a race and a class for everyone. Even though RACING is in the name, it is all about being healthy, enjoying nature, and having fun. If you have any questions, are looking to get into the sport, even just for recreation, give us a shout, and we will help you.
Community
Midwest Paddle Racing celebrates their 10th anniversary in 2021!! It wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for the great community of paddlers and families who come support the races every year!
We strive to make the events family oriented, and that is why anyone under 18 always races for free with an adult! We always provide hot meals for all paddlers, families, and crew at the finish of every race.
Thanks for making MPR what it is today!!
Shuttle Services
There are many partners that provide shuttle services for training or racing!
Thanks to our SPonsors!
RPC3
Hammer Nutrition
Thank you to RPC3 paddles, our title sponsor. If you are looking for a top of the line paddle at a very competitive price, then look no further and check out their line of full carbon paddles
Hammer Nutrition
Hammer Nutrition
A Leader in energy, endurance, and recovery fuels and supplements since 1987
AI Brands
AI Brands
AI Brands is the home of Truman Reserve Bourbon, Honey Creek Hollow Rums, and Crave Cocktails. They are a Veteran owned business based in Clinton Missouri.
Midwest Paddle Racing